New Jersey A5718: Special education-appoint independent investigators for complaints against DOE

What the bill says

An Act concerning special education and supplementing chapter 46 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

From the introduced text, October 29, 2026:

An Act concerning special education and supplementing chapter 46 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. a. The Commissioner of Education shall appoint an independent, impartial individual or entity to investigate any complaint concerning the provision of special education and related services made pursuant to 34 C.F.R. s.300.151 through 34 C.F.R. s.300.153 and N.J.A.C.6A:14-9.2, as well as any successor regulations, against the Department of Education, the Office of Special Education, or any other division or office within the department. b. (1) The commissioner shall not appoint an investigator who was previously employed by the department or an agency which is the subject of the complaint or who otherwise has a potential conflict of interest regarding the complaint. (2) An appointed independent investigator shall be knowledgeable about federal and State special education requirements. c. (1) An individual or entity appointed to investigate a complaint pursuant to this section shall undertake an impartial investigation into the complaint in which the investigator: (a) conducts a complete review of all documentation related to the complaint, including an onsite review as necessary; (b) gives the complainant the opportunity to submit additional information, either orally or in writing, about the allegations in the complaint; and (c) provides the department, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D, 15) · primary sponsor
• Rosaura Bagolie (D, 27) · primary sponsor
• Eliana Pintor Marin (D, 29) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. October 29, 2026: INT 1RA REF AED

Common questions

What is A5718?

A5718 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): Special education-appoint independent investigators for complaints against DOE.

What does A5718 do?

In its own words: An Act concerning special education and supplementing chapter 46 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

What is the status of A5718?

In committee as of October 29, 2026. Latest action: INT 1RA REF AED (October 29, 2026).

Who sponsored A5718?

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D, 15), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for A5718?

On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A5718