NJ S3476

Creates a mandatory mediation process for school ethics complaints filed with the New Jersey School Ethics Commission, allowing complainants and named school officials the opportunity to resolve disputes before formal proceedings begin

Requires parties who agree to mediation to sign a confidentiality pledge ensuring all discussions during the mediation conference remain confidential

If mediation successfully resolves the complaint, both parties must sign a written agreement memorializing the dismissal; if mediation fails, the standard complaint process continues with written statements and probable cause determinations

Requires the State Board of Education to promulgate regulations implementing the new mediation procedures (changing from permissive "may" to mandatory "shall")

Takes effect on the first day of the sixth month following enactment, with the State Board of Education and School Ethics Commission authorized to take anticipatory administrative actions beforehand