Education in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4776: Establishes "Parents' Bill of Rights Act"; requires disclosure of certain information to parents and guardians.

This bill establishes the "Parents' Bill of Rights Act" in New Jersey, granting parents and guardians specific rights to access information about their children's education and school experiences. The legislation requires schools to provide parents with access to curriculum materials, student records, health information, and notifications about incidents affecting student safety or well-being. Parents would also gain the right to opt out of certain health and sex education classes without academic penalty and to receive input on school policies affecting their children. The act mandates that schools establish policies to notify parents of these rights and prohibits school officials from interfering with or suppressing any of the enumerated parental rights.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4595: Establishes "College Child Care Advisory Commission" to examine issues and develop recommendations on providing programs and services for college students who require child care services.

This bill creates the College Child Care Advisory Commission in New Jersey to study and make recommendations about child care services for college students. The commission will consist of 15 members, including state officials, educators, child care providers, and a student parent, who will meet to examine current programs and identify ways to improve access to child care on college campuses. Its main tasks include gathering data on student needs, reviewing existing services, and exploring partnerships between colleges and child care providers to potentially use campus facilities for child care. The commission must submit its final report to the governor, legislature, and college presidents within one year, and the bill will end once that report is issued.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4656: Broadens epinephrine administration mechanisms permitted in schools, institutions of higher education, and youth camps.

This bill allows schools, colleges, and youth camps in New Jersey to use pre-filled auto-injectors to administer epinephrine to students experiencing anaphylaxis, expanding who can give the medication and how it is stored. It requires schools to keep epinephrine in secure but unlocked locations accessible to nurses and trained staff, and permits nurses or designated volunteers to administer the drug even if a student has no known allergy history or if parents have not completed standard authorization forms. The legislation also clarifies that athletic trainers can administer epinephrine without violating licensing laws and mandates that students be transported to the hospital after treatment, regardless of whether symptoms appear to have resolved.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4567: Requires certain school districts to partner with union apprenticeship programs for development of career exploration program.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts with high schools to partner with local union apprenticeship programs to create career exploration programs for students in grades 11 and 12. The partnerships must develop informational materials about available career pathways and a structured program with at least 25 hours of instruction, including orientation sessions and hands-on trade skill training. School districts must ensure that at least two percent of their graduating 12th-grade class completes the program and submit annual compliance reports to the Commissioner of Education. Funding for implementation may come from state aid, grants, workforce development funds, or private sponsorships, with the Commissioner of Education requesting necessary budget allocations annually.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3928: Establishes tax credit for portion of qualifying educational expenditures made by taxpayer on behalf of child.

This New Jersey bill creates a state tax credit for parents who pay for certain educational expenses for their dependent children. The credit allows taxpayers to receive 25% of qualifying educational expenditures, up to a maximum of $500 per child, which can be applied against their New Jersey gross income tax. Qualifying expenses include tuition at nonpublic schools, required school supplies, instructional materials, extracurricular activity fees, and transportation costs paid directly to the school, while explicitly excluding tutoring, standardized test fees, and everyday clothing. The measure applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, and is intended to provide financial relief to families utilizing private education options.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Curriculum Higher Education School Choice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3743: Makes supplemental appropriation of $4.8 million to provide additional operational aid to Jefferson Township Public Schools.

This bill allocates $4.8 million in state funding to Jefferson Township Public Schools to help cover operational expenses. The money comes from the state's General Fund and is designated specifically for direct educational services and assistance within the district. By providing this supplemental appropriation, the legislation aims to address a funding shortfall that the school district has experienced. The funds take effect immediately and are intended to support the school system's day-to-day operations during the 2026 fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget School Funding

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3773: Requires school programs of virtual or remote instruction to be implemented primarily through use of virtual instructional sessions.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts that offer virtual or remote instruction programs to primarily deliver lessons through live, interactive video sessions rather than pre-recorded materials. It applies to all public school districts, charter schools, and vocational districts receiving state aid, ensuring students receive real-time instruction from teachers. The legislation also mandates that districts provide equal educational opportunities to students with disabilities through virtual platforms and requires the state education commissioner to establish guidelines for technology access, class duration, and assessment scheduling. Additionally, the bill clarifies that virtual instruction days count toward the 180-day school attendance requirement during emergencies and gives superintendents authority to implement remote learning plans when schools close due to health emergencies.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SCR 111: Urges United States President to expand access to menstrual products in schools.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the President of the United States to expand access to menstrual products in schools nationwide by interpreting Title IX to include free provision of these items. The bill directly affects students who menstruate and aims to address period poverty by ensuring adequate toilet facilities and lenient bathroom policies in federally funded schools. It argues that current Title IX protections should be broadened through federal guidance to prevent educational disparities and health risks associated with lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. The resolution does not mandate funding or policy changes but serves as a formal request to the federal government to consider these expansions.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Women's Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4754: Requires Departments of Agriculture and Education to cooperatively implement new "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative to promote and facilitate increased procurement and use of local and regional foods for school meals program purposes.

This bill requires New Jersey's Departments of Agriculture and Education to work together to expand the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, which aims to increase the purchase and use of local and regional foods in school meal programs. The legislation focuses on administrative cooperation between state agencies to facilitate better sourcing of locally grown produce and ingredients for school lunches and breakfasts. By mandating joint implementation efforts, the bill seeks to strengthen connections between schools and local farmers without changing eligibility rules for students or altering existing meal program structures.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Student Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4613: The "School Safety and Security Act"; establishes penalties for certain criminal acts committed on school property.

This bill establishes stricter penalties for criminal acts committed on school property in New Jersey, directly affecting students, staff, visitors, and anyone interacting with school facilities. It creates a fourth-degree crime for unauthorized entry, providing false information to security personnel, tampering with security devices, interfering with safety protocols, or intentionally causing alarms that trigger emergency responses. Additionally, the legislation restricts access to school safety plans and prohibits filming or posting security procedures online without official permission to protect sensitive information.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics School Safety

All education bills