ASSEMBLY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4693

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 12, 2021

      The Assembly Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4693 with committee amendments.

     As amended, this bill revises the “School Ethics Act,” P.L.1991, c.393 (C.18A:12-21 et seq.), to prohibit a school official from using or attempting to use district resources funded by taxpayers such as official district letterhead, mail or email distribution lists, or social media accounts to engage in electioneering or any other communication designed to influence any partisan or nonpartisan election. 

     Under the “School Ethics Act,” a “school official” includes a board of education member, a school administrator, and members of the professional staff of the New Jersey School Boards Association.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      As introduced, this bill prohibited a school official from using or attempting to use the official’s position to promote or advance political activities within 90 days of an election.  The committee amended the bill to specifically prohibit a school official from using or attempting to use school district resources funded by taxpayers such as official district letterhead, mail or email distribution lists, or social media accounts to engage in electioneering or any other communication designed to influence any partisan or nonpartisan election.