Committee advances bill letting districts seek voter approval for next year’s projects when election is in November

The Assembly State and Local Government Committee moved A2784 as amended, a bill that authorizes school districts that hold their annual elections in November to submit separate ballot proposals for additional spending that can apply both to the current budget year and the subsequent budget year.

John Burns, speaking for the New Jersey School Boards Association, told the committee that roughly "about 95% of our school districts have their elections in November" and explained the bill addresses an unintended timing problem that can leave districts trying to implement projects mid‑fiscal year. Burns said the measure permits districts to ask voters for funds for the subsequent year when needed so planning and hiring can occur before the program must begin.

Committee amendments make the bill effective immediately and first applicable to the 2024–25 school year. The committee moved and then released the measure as amended by voice and roll call; recorded responses in the transcript show affirmative votes from members present.

Supporters at the hearing included the New Jersey School Boards Association and the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (registered in favor but did not testify). The measure was released as amended for further legislative consideration.