Patrick J. Diegnan - Legislative Accomplishments

Legislative Accomplishments

Diegnan was the primary sponsor of Assembly Bill 3331, introduced in 2003, which creates the certification of Technology Education for teachers.

In 2011, he was the primary sponsor of Assembly Bill 3852, which requires voter approval at the annual school election or by the board of school estimate before a new charter school can be authorized to operate in a district. Under the existing system, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education can grant charters regardless of community opinion, with Diegnan noting that allowing voters and local boards of education a say in the granting of new schools would "help ensure that the charter schools that are created fit the needs of the community". The bill passed in the Assembly in June 2011 by a 47-17 margin.

Diegnan was the primary sponsor of legislation requiring school districts to develop policies to address the issue of concussions in student athletes. Assembly Bill 2743, signed into law on December 7, 2010, requires development of interscholastic athletic head injury safety training program; requires certain measures to protect student athletes with concussions; and requires continuing education for athletic trainers. According to State Senator Richard Codey, one of the sponsors of the Senate version of the bill, his efforts led to the creation of, "The most comprehensive bill on concussions in the country, by far."