Establishes pilot program in DOE to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program within New Jersey's Department of Education to study the use of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs. It directly affects participating school districts that apply to join the program, with the state selecting two districts from each of the southern, central, and northern regions (ensuring urban, suburban, and rural representation). The program requires districts to submit applications detailing their schools, student enrollment, current wellness programs, and plans for integrating therapy dogs. The Department will provide guidance on dog handling, safety, and insurance, and must submit a final report by June 2029 evaluating the program's impact on student attendance, confidence, academic performance, and health outcomes.