NJ A1733

Creates a 20-member Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to assess chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools, consisting of the Commissioner of Education, 4 legislative appointees with relevant expertise, and 15 Governor-appointed members representing education organizations.

Requires the task force to examine current versus pre-pandemic absenteeism data, analyze root causes including barriers to attendance, school disengagement, and misconceptions about absences.

Directs the task force to study the role of mental health and school climate in absenteeism rates, research best practices from other states, and develop recommendations for family engagement strategies.

Task force must issue a final report with findings and legislative recommendations within 6 months of organizing, after which it expires 30 days later.

Addresses rising chronic absenteeism rates that increased from 10.6% in 2018-19 to 16.6% in 2022-23, with chronic absence defined as missing 10% or more of the 180-day school year.