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S 3457

Establishes "New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission" to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Burgess and 5 co-sponsors

Bill S 3457 establishes a commission to enhance New Jersey's before-school, after-school, and summer programs, improving quality and access for children and families.

Reported out of Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · S 3457

Summary of Bill S 3457: New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 3457 aims to establish the New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission. The primary goal of this commission is to review and enhance before-school, after-school, and summer programs across New Jersey. By assessing current programs and practices, the commission seeks to improve the quality and accountability of these essential services for children and families.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several important provisions:

  1. Commission Composition:

    • The commission will consist of 22 members, including:
      • Ex officio members: Commissioners of Education, Human Services, and Children and Families, and the Secretary of Higher Education.
      • Legislative members: One Senator and one Assembly member appointed by their respective leaders.
      • 16 public members appointed by the Governor, representing various organizations such as:
      • New Jersey Council for Young Children
      • Association for Children of New Jersey
      • New Jersey School Age Care Coalition
      • New Jersey Parent-Teacher Association
      • New Jersey Education Association
      • New Jersey Child Care Association
      • Additional representatives from youth development and education sectors.

  2. Duties of the Commission:

    • Assess the current state of out-of-school time programs by reviewing policies and existing research.
    • Develop statewide standards for program design, implementation, and assessment.
    • Examine funding sources and amounts for these programs.
    • Analyze the operation of programs in urban, suburban, and rural districts, and make recommendations for improvement.

  3. Operational Guidelines:

    • Appointments to the commission must be made within 30 days of the bill's effective date.
    • The commission will organize within 30 days after member appointments and will select a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and a secretary.
    • The commission is authorized to hire consultants and staff as necessary.

  4. Reporting Requirements:

    • The commission is required to submit an interim report within one year of its organizational meeting and a final report within two years.
    • Reports will be submitted to the Governor and relevant legislative committees.

  5. Expiration:

    • The commission will dissolve 30 days after the final report is submitted.

Impact

This bill is expected to significantly impact various stakeholders, including:
- Children and Families: Improved access to quality out-of-school programs.
- Educational Institutions: Enhanced standards and accountability for before-school and after-school programs.
- Community Organizations: Opportunities for collaboration and representation in shaping youth services.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: June 17, 2024
  • Reported out of Senate Committee with Amendments: March 17, 2025
  • Second Reading: March 17, 2025
  • Expected Actions: Further legislative review and potential passage.

Related Legislation

  • A 2414: A companion bill that may address similar issues or complement the objectives of S 3457.

This summary provides an overview of Bill S 3457, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on New Jersey's out-of-school time programs.

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

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