Education in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1136: Requires public schools, and nonpublic schools which receive federal funding, to provide students with information on rights afforded under Title IX, and provide contact information for Title IX coordinator.

This bill requires all New Jersey public schools and nonpublic schools receiving federal funding (and subject to Title IX) to post specific information on their websites. Schools must clearly list student rights under Title IX, provide contact details for their Title IX coordinator (including phone and email), and explain how to file a complaint, including time limits and investigation steps. The state Education Commissioner must also send annual reminders to these schools about student rights and school responsibilities under Title IX. The law applies immediately to all qualifying schools and aims to improve transparency about discrimination protections.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 922: "Protecting Students from Obscene Material in School Libraries Act."

This bill requires New Jersey school boards to adopt policies preventing obscene material from appearing in school libraries. The policy must establish criteria for appropriate library materials, prohibit obscene content, mandate staff compliance with state obscenity laws (which criminalize distributing such material to minors), and outline procedures for investigating staff violations. The state education commissioner will develop and distribute guidance to schools, including examples of prohibited material and recommended disciplinary actions for staff. Noncompliant school districts may face state funding sanctions. The law directly affects school boards, library staff, and students by enforcing existing state obscenity laws in educational settings.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Libraries

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 813: Requires public institution of higher education post bias intimidation statistics; requires governing board to adopt bias intimidation policy.

S 813 requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to post bias intimidation statistics and related policy information on their websites. It mandates these institutions to adopt a formal policy prohibiting bias intimidation (defined as offenses targeting protected characteristics like race or religion), including disciplinary procedures and reporting mechanisms. The bill also requires first-year students to complete a course module covering bias intimidation prevention, statistics, and campus resources. These requirements apply to all public institutions seeking state student aid funds, aiming to increase transparency and prevention efforts on campus.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 268: Directs Commissioner of Education to establish three-year pilot program to increase reading levels of certain students; appropriates $1 million.

S 268 directs New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a three-year pilot program providing summer reading instruction to second graders not reading at grade level in selected school districts. The program requires participating districts to apply with details about their schools and past summer enrollment, and the commissioner will choose two districts per region (north, central, south) to ensure urban, suburban, and rural representation. The bill appropriates $1 million from the state general fund to cover the program’s implementation and mandates a final report evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility for statewide adoption. This directly affects students in participating districts and school districts applying for the pilot.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics State Budget K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 287: Prohibits institution of higher education from giving preferential consideration for admission to legacy student.

This bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment to applicants based on "legacy status" (having a parent or relative who attended the school) or familial ties to donors. It directly affects prospective students applying to higher education institutions in New Jersey, ensuring admissions decisions are not influenced by these factors. The law requires institutions to stop considering such connections during admissions, applying immediately upon enactment. The bill defines legacy status specifically as a familial relationship to an institution alumnus, banning any preferential consideration for this reason.

Topics ✓ Education

passed both · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 2962: Provides seniority service credit to educational support professionals for military service.

This New Jersey bill (S 2962) gives educational support professionals (like cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and administrative staff) who served in the U.S. military and qualify for VA benefits up to four years of seniority credit. The credit counts military service completed before or during their school district employment, treating it as equivalent to actual work time for seniority purposes. It expands an existing benefit currently only available to teaching staff. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 187: Ensures no school district receives State school aid reduction greater than five percent.

This bill prevents New Jersey school districts from facing state aid cuts exceeding 5% compared to the previous year. It requires districts to receive either the newly calculated state aid amount or the prior year's funding reduced by no more than 5%. County vocational school districts receive the greater of this new calculation or their existing aid formula, which includes a 2017-2018 baseline. The policy applies starting the 2024-2025 school year and aims to stabilize funding for all public school districts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics School Funding

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2557: Requires school district capital project referendums to be voted on at primary or general elections, or certain municipal or special elections.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts to hold capital project referendums (like votes on building new schools or renovations) during specific statewide elections - either June primary elections or November general elections - rather than on special school election dates. It directly affects school districts that need voter approval for major construction projects funded by bonds. The bill prohibits these referendums from being scheduled on special school election dates (such as January or March) unless the election is already being held for another purpose. It also mandates clear ballot language disclosing total project costs, state aid, and any additional expenses beyond standard efficiency standards.

Topics ✓ Education

Tags Elections

signed · New Jersey · Senate May 7, 2026

S 1370: Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free.*

S 1370 requires that all new flooring installed in schools (K-12 public or private) and licensed child care centers must be certified by the manufacturer as mercury-free before a construction permit can be issued. This applies to any new construction, repair, or upgrade of flooring in these facilities. Manufacturers falsely claiming mercury-free flooring face civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for repeat violations. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SCR 11: Urges school districts to establish concussion management teams.

This resolution urges New Jersey school districts to establish concussion management teams. These teams - comprising school nurses, psychologists, athletic trainers, and other staff - would support students recovering from concussions by coordinating care, monitoring cognitive needs, and ensuring safe returns to both classroom and sports activities. The resolution highlights CDC data showing concussions are common in youth sports and emphasizes that such teams provide immediate, school-based expertise to complement existing district policies. It does not create new legal requirements but encourages districts to adopt this approach for student health and safety.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

All education bills