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Sponsors: Senators Joseph Coniglio (D38) and Martha W. Bark (D8) Assemblyman Gary L. Guear, Sr. (D14), Assemblywoman Linda R. Greenstein (D14), Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis (D8), and Assemblyman Francis L. Bodine (D8)

Identical Resolutions: ACR 132, ACR 103, SCR 74

Summary: Urges the President and Congress to increase funding for special education to fully meet the federal commitment to provide up to 40% of the national average educational cost per pupil for the purpose of special education programs under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act."

Comment: Since the inception of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, the federal government has never funded more than 15% of the cost of special education programs mandated by the Act. The sponsors additionally note that this practice is inconsistent with the federal government's articulated policy of providing funding for all mandated activities, including special education services. The sponsors further explain that for fiscal year 2002, New Jersey received approximately $224 million in federal funds for special education students, while the total commitment of State aid in New Jersey for special education exceeded $900 million.

Current Status: Passed both houses, filed with Secretary of State for Governor's approval

Legislative Activity:
3/26/02 Introduced And Referred To Senate Education Committee

5/9/02 reported 2nd Reading

5/16/02 Passed Senate (37-0)

5/16/02 Received In Assembly Referred To Assembly Education Committee

10/24/02 Reported 2nd Reading

11/18/02 Substituted For ACR132/103 (ACS)

11/18/02 Passed Assembly (76-0-0)

11/19/02 Filed With Secretary Of State

Last Session: ACR156

Sponsors: Senators Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr. (R13) and Anthony R. Bucco (R25)

Sponsors: Assemblymen Sean T. Kean (R11) and Peter J. Biondi (R16)

Summary: Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution requiring the State to pay the costs of special education.

Comments: This concurrent resolution proposes that, in order to offer property tax relief, the State Constitution should be amended to require the State to pay all costs of special education for children who are eligible for programs and services mandated by State or federal statutes or regulations. The resolution further provides that the State shall determine the eligibility of a child for a special education. Currently, individual public school districts determine whether a child should be classified as eligible for a special education program or service and assume responsibility for costs not provided by State and federal.

Current Status: Senate Education Committee

Legislative Activity: 1/8/02 Introduced and referred to Senate Education Committee

Last Session: SCR75

Current Status: Assembly Education Committee

Legislative Activity: 2/3/03 Introduced and referred to Assembly Education Committee

Last Session: ACR27

Sponsors: Senators Robert W. Singer (R30) and Joseph Suliga (D22)

Summary: Requires candidates for teaching certificates to receive training in special education beginning in the 2002-2003 school year

Comments: This bill would require that beginning in the 2002-2003 school year, a candidate for a New Jersey instructional certificate, or a person seeking certification through the alternate route, satisfactorily complete training in special education theory and methods of teaching students with disabilities at an accredited institution of higher education. The bill also provides that all other teachers not subject to the certification requirements set forth in the bill will be required to pursue continuing education courses in special education theory and methods of teaching students with disabilities by the 2005-2006 school year. Significantly, the sponsors explain in the statement to the bill that:

[C]hildren with disabilities need to be educated with children without disabilities in order to provide them with the most productive learning environment possible." The sponsors further recognize that regular education teachers often do not fully understand the nature of the problems children with special needs may demonstrate or ways that the teacher could best help them. Mandating a certification requirement pertaining to special education theory and practical application would help regular education teachers to increase their expertise in this area and thereby work more effectively with children with disabilities.

Legislative Activity: 2/11/02 Introduced and referred to Senate Education Committee