"When school is in session, we should not be looking the other way while students skip classes to spend their day on the street," Stack said. "From the time the first bell rings until the end of the school day, students belong in class, not on a street corner."
The law authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinances making it unlawful for any child under 18 to be off school grounds during class unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Exceptions can be made for medical emergency or educational programs. Juveniles who have graduated early or dropped out of school will be exempt.
Violators can get fines of up to $1,000 and community service. The students and their parents can be held in violation.
The law takes effect immediately.
Sires co-sponsors cancer bill
Meanwhile, Gov. Codey signed bills from other Hudson County legislators into law:
* A bill cosponsored by Assemblyman Louis Manzo (D-31st Dist.) provides penalties for injuring or killing search-and-rescue dogs. This law increases the penalties for injuring or killing dogs and other animals owned or used by law enforcement agencies. Under the bill's provisions, it would be a crime of the third degree to kill a search-and-rescue dog; it would be a crime of the fourth degree to maim or inflict harm upon a search-and-rescue dog.
* A bill cosponsored by state Senator Joseph Doria (D-31st Dist.) and Assemblyman Albio Sires (D-33rd Dist.) that would provide a supplemental appropriation of $6 million for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. CINJ is the first and only facility in the state to be designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest recognition afforded by the National Cancer Institute. In the past several years, CINJ has experienced tremendous growth. Since the institute is a statewide resource, referrals are received throughout New Jersey, including those from patients seeking treatment for the most complex cancer cases. Currently, CINJ receives more than 60,000 patients annually; the institute estimates that by 2008, that number will grow to 140,000 patients.
* A bill cosponsored by now-former Assemblyman Anthony Impreveduto (D-32nd Dist.) permits ophthalmic dispensers and technicians to incorporate. This law amends the Professional Service Corporation Act to include these with other licensed health care providers such as medical physicians, optometrists, physical therapists, registered professional nurses, and dentists.
* A bill cosponsored by Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-32nd Dist.) prohibits the display of students' Social Security numbers by institutions of higher education in identifying that student for posting or public listing of grades, class rosters, or other lists provided to teachers, on student identification cards, and in student directories or similar listings, unless otherwise required in accordance with applicable state or federal law.
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