The bill establishes the New Jersey Community Learning Program within the Department of Education to provide comprehensive after-school programs in communities significantly affected by the criminalization of cannabis, referred to as impact zones. Each school district located within these impact zones is required to collaborate with local governing bodies to create and implement after-school programs aimed at closing the achievement gap and offering services during non-school hours, including summer recess. The programs can operate at various locations, including existing school facilities, and the districts must provide transportation for participating students.

Funding for the program will come from the New Jersey Community Learning Assistance Fund, which will receive annual deposits from state revenues generated by the retail sale of cannabis products. The bill mandates that the Department of Education distribute necessary funds to impact districts to cover the full costs of the after-school programs, ensuring that all funds are used exclusively for this purpose. Additionally, the bill outlines a process for public input, program plan submission, and approval by the commissioner of education, with provisions for modifications to the program as needed. The bill is set to take effect immediately or upon the legalization of cannabis for personal use by adults, whichever occurs later.