Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would create a dedicated group of administrative law judges to oversee special education cases was approved by the New Jersey Senate.

There is no question New Jersey needs to do a better job addressing special education conflicts,” said Singer (R-30). “It is unacceptable for people to have to wait so long to get answers impacting the education of a child with special needs. The unit established within the Office of Administrative Law by this legislation would increase efficiency and help all parties by reaching more timely decisions and resolutions.”

The bill, S-2160, would establish a unit within the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) dedicated to special education cases. This unit would consist of administrative law judges that have expertise in special education law.

Under the bill, all contested cases concerning special education law referred to the OAL would be assigned to and adjudicated by the administrative law judges in the special education unit.

S-2160 was previously approved by the Senate on June 3, 2021 and the Assembly on June 24, but conditionally vetoed by Gov. Murphy on Nov. 8. The Governor’s recommended revision called for an increase in staffing within the OAL via the appointment of fifteen new administrative law judges and necessary support personnel. The Senate concurred with the Governor’s recommendation and approved the revised bill today 38-0.