SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2860

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

      The Senate Education Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 2860 with committee amendments.

     As amended, this bill establishes the Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program. Under the program, grants are to be awarded to public schools to help enhance school athletic programs by providing students with sports equipment and other related resources to participate in sports and physical activities in schools.

     A public school that wants to apply for a grant under the pilot program is required to submit an application to the commissioner.  The application is required to include: relevant information to support the public school’s need for the program; information concerning the availability and quality of existing athletic program equipment and resources in the public school; any other information as prescribed by the commissioner.

     The commissioner is to select six public schools for participation in the pilot program.  To the maximum extent possible, the commissioner is required to select public schools in the southern, central, and northern regions of the State and is to seek a cross section of public schools from urban, suburban, and rural areas.

     At the conclusion of the pilot program each participating public school is required to submit a report to the commissioner.  The report is to include, at a minimum, information on the number of students who were served by the pilot program, including the number of students in each grade level; and the public school’s views on the success and benefits of the program.

     As defined in the amended bill, public school means a school district, charter school, and renaissance school project.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to include charter schools and renaissance school projects. Previously, the pilot program was only available to school districts.