Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3082: Creates advisory council to oversee revision of New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

S 3082 creates a New Jersey Student Learning Standards Advisory Council with 15 members representing K-12 education, higher education, business, parents, and students to oversee revisions of state education standards. The council will form subject-specific subcommittees that must review existing standards, gather public feedback through online surveys and 60-day comment periods, and consider research and standards from other states before proposing changes. All materials, meeting minutes, and feedback must be posted online for public access. The process requires annual conflict-of-interest disclosures and mandates public hearings before revised standards are submitted to the State Board of Education for adoption. This bill establishes a structured, transparent review mechanism affecting all New Jersey public schools, higher education institutions, and families through the standards revision process.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates council to revise education standards with public input and research, aiming to improve K-12 learning standards through structured review and feedback process.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1044: Requires school districts to include instruction on risks associated with social media and cell phone addiction in grades 6 through 12.

This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to add instruction about social media and cell phone risks to grades 6 through 12. It expands current requirements by moving this education from technology classes (grades 6-8) to the health curriculum for all grades 6-12. The instruction must cover responsible use, cyber safety, and specifically address how addiction affects mental health, relationships, and development. School districts must implement this as part of existing health education standards, with the state providing sample resources. The bill directly affects all public school students in those grades and their schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates curriculum expansion on social media risks to address mental health, enhancing student well-being through education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health education on social media addiction impacts, directly supporting mental health services through preventive curriculum in schools.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1831: Establishes Statewide youth apprenticeship program; appropriates $25 million annually.

New Jersey's S 1831 establishes a statewide youth apprenticeship program for students aged 16-21, directly affecting high school students (particularly 11th and 12th graders), employers, and low-income apprentices. The bill creates career-connected high school pathways, combines paid on-the-job training with community college dual enrollment, and prioritizes high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and green jobs. It appropriates $25 million annually starting in FY2026 to fund the program, including tax credits of up to $5,000 per apprentice for employers who pay at least 60% of journeyperson wages and meet diversity and reporting requirements. The program requires annual reporting on participation demographics, completion rates, and state savings from reduced reliance on student aid, while prohibiting duplication of existing apprenticeship programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $25M annually for youth apprenticeship program, directly increasing state funding for workforce development and public service expansion.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates $25M annually for youth apprenticeship program creating career pathways, dual enrollment, and expanding access to high-demand sectors for high school students.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds $25M annual youth apprenticeship program with paid training, dual enrollment, and career pathways in high-demand sectors, directly advancing employment opportunities for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education K-12 Education Apprenticeships Child Labor Workforce Development

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 115: Establishes three-year nonpublic school pupil transportation pilot program in Ocean County to provide funding to county consortium of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.

S 115 creates a three-year pilot program in Ocean County to transfer responsibility for nonpublic school student transportation from school districts to a local consortium of nonpublic schools. The program provides funding directly to this consortium (at $1,000 per student) to cover required transportation for pupils attending participating nonpublic schools, replacing the school districts' obligation under existing law. If transportation costs exceed the $1,000 amount, parents receive the difference directly from the consortium. School districts in Ocean County may no longer offer "courtesy busing" to students in the consortium, and any unspent funds must be refunded to the state. This applies only to Ocean County nonpublic schools currently requiring district-provided transportation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides $1,000/student funding to nonpublic schools for transportation, enhancing K-12 educational access and support through direct financial assistance.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds nonpublic school transportation via $1,000/student pilot program, directly advancing transportation services for students in Ocean County.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 46: Urges Congress to amend tax code to exclude all forms of discharged student loans from federal income tax.

This New Jersey Senate resolution (SR 46) urges Congress to permanently change the tax code so that all forgiven student loans - such as those canceled through income-driven repayment plans, public service programs (like Teacher Loan Forgiveness), or death/disability - no longer count as taxable income. Currently, most discharged loans are subject to federal income tax, while limited exceptions (e.g., public service forgiveness or death/disability loans forgiven between 2017-2026) are not. The resolution seeks to eliminate these inconsistencies by making all discharged student loan amounts tax-exempt permanently. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change the law but requests Congress take action.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill seeks tax relief for student loan borrowers by excluding discharged loans from taxable income, aligning with tax relief indicators for lower/middle income groups.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill removes tax burden on forgiven student loans (including Teacher Loan Forgiveness), supporting educators' financial stability and improving higher education access by reducing debt barriers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Student Financial Aid Teachers

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2196: Requires DOE to maintain list of textbook vendors that use inclusive material and school districts to use textbooks from those vendors.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create and maintain a public list of textbook vendors whose materials include "inclusive content" - defined as accurate portrayals of diversity in areas like race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. School districts must select new textbooks only from vendors on this DOE-listed roster when purchasing for the first time. Exceptions allow districts to request commissioner approval for non-listed vendors, and the rule doesn't apply to textbooks from the state's existing textbook bank or for damaged/lost books needing replacement. The policy directly affects all New Jersey public school districts purchasing new textbooks.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates inclusive textbook content (diversity in race, gender, etc.) via DOE-listed vendors, advancing curriculum inclusivity and educational access for diverse students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2218: Requires Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain database of Educational Opportunity Fund student admissions.

This bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain a database tracking available student spots in Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) programs at participating colleges. Colleges must notify the Secretary's office within one business day when a spot is filled, so the database stays updated. Campus EOF directors must share information about available spots at other colleges with students who haven't secured a placement. The goal is to improve communication and placement opportunities for eligible students seeking EOF program enrollment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves access to EOF programs by requiring real-time tracking and information sharing of available student spots, enhancing educational opportunity for higher education students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1587: Modifies laws regarding compensation and leaves of absence for certain public employees who served in the military; requires public employers follow certain policies and procedures for leaves of absence.

This bill (S 1587) modifies New Jersey law to provide enhanced leave and compensation protections for public employees who serve in the military reserves or National Guard. It directly affects state, county, school district, and municipal employees who are active or retired military members. Key provisions require public employers to grant up to 30 paid workdays of leave annually for military service (including travel days and transitional leave), maintain retirement/health benefits during leave, and cover pay for service exceeding 30 days through collective bargaining agreements or employer discretion. The bill also clarifies that "active duty" includes medical appointments related to military service. It is currently pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProtects school employees' job security and benefits during military service, directly supporting educators in K-12 school districts.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMaintains health benefits for public employees during military leave, ensuring continued healthcare coverage without disruption.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides paid military leave and maintains benefits for public employees, strengthening worker protections under Labor & Employment.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides paid military leave and maintains benefits for public employees serving in reserves/National Guard, directly supporting veterans' employment protections and service continuity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Paid Leave Public Employees National Guard & Reserve Veteran Employment

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 1773: Requires school report card to include information about placement of graduates, including apprenticeships.

This bill (S 1773) requires New Jersey school districts to include specific post-graduation data in annual school performance report cards. It mandates reporting the number and percentage of graduates placed in employment or further education, including apprenticeships, as part of the required school profile. The change applies to all high schools and districts, adding this metric to existing report card requirements like graduation rates and student test scores. The bill aims to provide families and communities with clearer insights into student outcomes after high school.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires schools to report graduate placement data (employment/apprenticeships), enhancing transparency and accountability in educational outcomes to inform families.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2457: Permits excused absence for students participating in college visits, visits to postsecondary technical institutions, and military recruitment-related activities.

This bill allows high school students in grades 11-12 at New Jersey public schools to miss up to three days per school year for college visits, visits to technical institutions, or military recruitment activities without penalty. Students must provide documentation to their school, and these absences will not appear on transcripts, job applications, or affect perfect attendance records. Military recruitment-related activities include required testing, medical evaluations, interviews, and fingerprinting for enlistment. The law aims to support students exploring college or military career paths while maintaining attendance accountability.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables K-12 students to explore postsecondary options without academic penalty, expanding educational access and support for college/military pathways.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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