New Jersey 222nd Legislature Status: Introduced 2 D cosponsors

S 253 — Broadens definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" in Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.

Last action — REP 2RS

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed General Assembly
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced January 13, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee referral and hearing.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

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A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Stalled 30% · moderate confidence

  • Introduced

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    2 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 D).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill expands the definition of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in schools.

This legislation broadens the definition of harassment, intimidation, or bullying within the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act. It aims to enhance reporting and accountability for such incidents in schools.

What this means for you
  • Workers: This means school employees will have clearer guidelines for reporting bullying incidents.

Summary

Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act-concerns harassment, intimidation, or bullying

Bill Text

  • Introduced View text Current html December 02, 2025

How this bill changes current law

4 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 4 section(s) of the New Jersey statutes: N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46; N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14; N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15; N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17.

  • N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46

    same the nature of the bullying based on one of the protected categories identified in section 2 of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-14), must by the enumerated categories as listed in section 2 of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-14), and data broken down → or contracted service provider a the report , disaggregated by race, gender, sexual orientation, eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Program, special education designation, and English language learner designation shall and the data shall be disaggregated by race, gender, sexual orientation, eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Program, special education designation, and English language learner designation

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14

    , that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic,

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15

    may → , , shall , and upon any revision of the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.), as amended and supplemented by P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-13.1 et al.), upon any revision of the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.), as amended and supplemented by P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-13.1 et al.), and

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17

    ensure that the training includes instruction on preventing bullying on the basis of the protected categories enumerated in section 2 of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-14) and other distinguishing characteristics that may incite incidents of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying; and → and (Deleted by amendment, P.L. , c. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) , ,

    amended

Action History

  1. REP 2RS

  2. INT 1RS REF SED

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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2 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 118 not signed on

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (118)

118 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 118 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Subjects

civil-rights education
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Frequently asked questions

What does S 253 do?
Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act-concerns harassment, intimidation, or bullying
Who sponsors S 253?
S 253 is sponsored by Turner, Shirley K. (Democrat) and McKnight, Angela V. (Democrat).
What is the current status of S 253?
This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced January 13, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track S 253?
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Last checked for changes 6 days ago · updated continuously

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