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Bill

A 3161

Requires explanatory statement on ballot question for school district capital projects to include certain information.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires detailed, separate ballot questions with specific cost, debt, tax impact, and project data for school bond projects to improve voter transparency.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3161

Summary: A-3161 (Session 222) – Explanatory Statement Requirements for School District Bond Ballots

Purpose

A-3161 amends N.J.S.18A:22-39 to require more detailed explanatory statements on ballot questions for school district capital projects funded by bonds. The goal is greater transparency for voters by providing specific information about costs, debt, and project characteristics.

Key Provisions

  • Separate ballot questions or combined questions: When a district submits capital projects to voters, the board must present each project in a separate question (or multiple projects can be included in a single question). Each question must specify the project(s) and the amount to be raised for each.

  • Cost disclosures for various project delivery methods:

    • If a project is to be constructed by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA), a redevelopment entity, or with a district grant under section 15 of P.L.2000, c.72:
    • If framed as a single question, the ballot must disclose the local share and the final eligible costs approved by the commissioner, plus any costs beyond the final eligible costs if applicable (e.g., for demonstration projects).
    • If not constructed by those entities/grants:
    • If framed as a single question, the ballot must request approval for the total project cost, disclose State debt service aid for the project, and disclose any costs beyond the final eligible costs if applicable.
    • If a project is framed in more than one question, the explanatory statement must summarize total project costs, total State debt service aid, and any additional costs; each question with additional costs must specify those amounts.

  • Explicit wording for additional costs: Any mention of additional costs must include the following language:
    "This project includes $(insert amount) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education."

  • Additional items to be included in the explanatory statement (subsection b): Beyond the baseline information, the explanatory statement must also include:

    1. The total outstanding principal of bonded indebtedness of the municipality (or, for a regional district, the constituent municipality).
    2. The total outstanding principal of bonded indebtedness of the school district.
    3. An estimate of the increase in property taxes for a residential property at the average home value if the ballot question is approved, based on: years of bond repayment, anticipated interest rate reflecting current market conditions, and the district’s credit rating.
    4. The square footage per pupil of the proposed project(s), if applicable.
    5. The cost per square foot of the proposed project(s), if applicable.

  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who Is Affected

  • Type II school districts submitting capital projects financed by bonds.
  • Municipalities and regional districts hosting the districts (for debt and tax impact disclosures).
  • Voters in school elections who will see more detailed information on ballot questions.

Procedural/Timeline Considerations

  • Requires the board to adopt the ballot language by a recorded roll call majority vote.
  • Applies to annual or special school elections when capital projects are on the ballot.
  • The explanatory statements must be prepared to accompany each ballot question (or the combined questions) and must include specified cost and debt information.

Rationale

The bill aims to improve transparency and informed voter decision-making by providing concrete debt, tax impact, and project efficiency data on ballot materials for school district capital bond questions.

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

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