Sponsored by:
Senator ANTHONY R. BUCCO
District 25 (Morris and Somerset)
Senator MICHAEL J. DOHERTY
District 23 (Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senators Addiego and Ruiz
SYNOPSIS
Requires public school districts to provide instruction on "New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act" as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the public school curriculum and supplementing chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Each board of education which operates an educational program for public school students in grades 9 through 12 shall provide information on the provisions of the "New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act," P.L.2000, c.58 (C.30:4C-15.5 et seq.). The instruction shall take place as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.
2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall first apply to the 2018-2019 school year.
STATEMENT
This bill requires each board of education which operates an educational program for public school students in grades 9 through 12 to provide information on the provisions of the "New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act," P.L.2000, c.58. The bill specifies that the instruction will take place as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.
Newborn infants are sometimes abandoned in life-threatening situations by parents under severe emotional stress. At times these parents are teens who are frightened and overwhelmed with dealing with an unanticipated pregnancy. Fostering awareness of the availability of a "safe haven" provided under the law may ultimately help to protect the life of a newborn.