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Bill

A 5307

Applies provisions of "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act" to certain incidents of gang bullying.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Sauickie

Extends ABRBA to cover gang-related bullying, ensuring same investigation, intervention, and accountability standards as other bullying cases.

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Bill Summary · A 5307

Overview

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5307 (Session 222) proposes extending provisions of the state’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABRBA) to certain incidents of gang-related bullying. The bill’s intent is to ensure that school districts address gang-related bullying with the same heightened standards and procedures currently applied to other forms of bullying, ensuring a consistent, comprehensive response and accountability framework.

Purpose and intent

  • Expand ABRBA coverage to include specific gang bullying incidents that may not otherwise be captured or treated with the same rigor as standard bullying cases.
  • Promote safer school environments by mandating timely investigation, documentation, and intervention in gang-related bullying.
  • Align school district policies and procedures with existing anti-bullying protections, regardless of whether the bully or target is part of or affiliated with a gang.

Key provisions and changes

  • Application of ABRBA standards: The bill requires that gang-related bullying incidents receive the same procedural treatment as other bullying cases under the ABRBA, including investigation timelines, reporting requirements, and protective measures for victims.
  • Investigation and documentation: Schools would be obligated to document gang-related bullying incidents comprehensively, ensuring consistent data collection and follow-up actions.
  • Intervention and supports: School districts would need to implement appropriate interventions to protect students targeted by gang bullying, which may include counseling, safety planning, and temporary adjustments in student placement or supervision when warranted.
  • Administrative responsibilities: Districts would be required to designate or train specific personnel to handle gang-related bullying cases, ensuring timely, coordinated responses.
  • Compliance and accountability: Schools may face monitoring or reporting requirements to ensure that gang-related bullying is treated with the same seriousness and procedural rigor as other ABRBA-covered incidents.

Who is affected

  • Students: Individuals who are targets of gang-related bullying would receive protections, investigations, and supportive interventions under the ABRBA framework.
  • Perpetrators: Students identified as engaging in gang-related bullying would be subject to the district’s disciplinary and intervention processes under ABRBA, potentially including disciplinary actions and referrals for ancillary supports.
  • School districts and staff: Districts must implement policies, train personnel, and ensure compliance with the expanded scope, including proper documentation and timely responses.
  • School safety and counseling resources: Increased emphasis on safety planning, reporting, and access to supportive services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill would trigger existing ABRBA processes for defined gang-related bullying incidents, potentially altering response times, investigation procedures, and documentation requirements to match standard bullying cases.
  • Implementation would require districts to review and adjust policies to explicitly cover gang-related bullying, ensure staff training, and possibly adjust reporting systems to capture relevant data.
  • Deadlines for investigation, reporting, and follow-up would align with ABRBA timelines, with potential emphasis on prompt action to protect students.

Notes

  • The bill lists Alex Sauickie as a co-sponsor.
  • Specific statutory language, definitions of “gang bullying,” and any carve-outs or transitional provisions would be detailed in the bill text; this summary reflects the bill’s aim to apply ABRBA provisions to gang-related bullying incidents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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