Education (K-12 Education) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 118: Requires school districts to let nonpublic school students participate in district high school interscholastic athletics.

This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to allow students attending nonpublic (private) schools to try out for and participate in their district's high school sports teams, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as public school students. Nonpublic school students must provide proof of district residency and satisfy the district's standard requirements for sports participation, such as physical exams, academic standards, and fees. Districts may charge nonpublic students a fee up to the actual per-pupil cost of the sport (excluding those qualifying for financial hardship), but are not required to provide transportation or alter team schedules. The law does not change existing eligibility rules set by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

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

A 4194: Provides certain employment protections for working parents due to school closure during state of emergency and public health emergency.

This bill protects working parents and legal guardians of school-aged children (Kindergarten through 12th grade) during school closures caused by state or public health emergencies. It prohibits employers from requiring these employees to work in person if their job can be done remotely, unless the employer proves remote work would cause an undue hardship to business operations. The law includes a rebuttable presumption that remote work is feasible if an employee has already worked remotely for two consecutive pay periods, and employers cannot penalize staff for requesting or using remote work. Violations carry escalating fines: $1,000 for the first offense, $5,000 for the second, and $10,000 for each subsequent violation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Child Labor Paid Leave

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

A 4227: Requires DOE to develop registry of high school student-athletes who sustain concussions or other head injuries.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create a confidential registry tracking high school student-athletes who suffer concussions or head injuries during sports or cheerleading programs. Coaches must immediately report such injuries to school athletic directors, who then submit weekly data to the registry - including injury type, sport, specific incident details, and recovery time - without revealing student identities. The registry aims to collect injury patterns and trends to develop evidence-based prevention protocols for schools. It directly affects all public and nonpublic high schools participating in New Jersey's interscholastic sports, intramural programs, and cheerleading.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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

A 4298: Revises eligibility for Educational Opportunity Fund grants and campus-based Educational Opportunity Fund programs.

This bill changes eligibility rules for New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grants and campus programs. It clarifies that students who already earned an associate degree, college credits, or completed a dual-degree program in high school remain eligible for EOF grants and campus-based programs if they meet all other requirements (like residency, financial need, and full-time enrollment). The bill removes a potential barrier that previously might have excluded these students from participating. It does not change existing financial need or residency requirements but ensures prior college experience does not automatically disqualify applicants.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3780: Establishes Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program in DOE.

This bill establishes a two-year Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Education, directly affecting middle and high school students in participating school districts. School districts must apply with detailed data on student enrollment, absenteeism, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and current mental health staffing to be selected. The Commissioner will choose six districts - representing all regions and urban/suburban/rural settings - to implement innovative mental health awareness initiatives and teach students coping skills for stress management. After two years, the Commissioner must report to the Governor and Legislature on the program's implementation and whether it should continue or expand.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 807: Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools to provide assistive technology (like text-to-speech software and digital tools) to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia or related reading/writing challenges. It directly affects students identified with dyslexia who do not require formal special education classification, helping them access grade-level materials and complete assignments more effectively. The program will provide grants to seven selected school districts (chosen across urban, suburban, rural areas and different county sizes) to cover the cost of technology, related services, and teacher training. Districts must apply with student data and plans showing how the tools will improve academic outcomes, with the Commissioner of Education overseeing implementation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Special Education Teachers

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1929: Provides that State pay high school equivalency exam fees for low-income individuals.

This bill (A 1929) requires New Jersey to create a program paying high school equivalency exam fees for low-income adults. It directly affects individuals with household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, who seek a state-issued high school diploma. The State Board of Education must establish the program within six months, including income verification documentation, and limit fee coverage to one exam per person. The program will be funded using 5% of revenues from the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund, as amended in Section 9 of P.L.1992, c.43.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 476: Establishes EMT Workforce Development Partnership in DOH, appropriates $1.5 million.

This bill creates the EMT Workforce Development Partnership within New Jersey's Department of Health, providing free training to high school students (16+), college students, and community residents to become certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). It requires participants to work as paid or volunteer EMTs for at least two years in their local community after certification to avoid repaying training costs. The partnership involves collaboration between the Department of Health, schools, hospitals, and certified training agencies, with $1.5 million appropriated from the state general fund to cover implementation. Participants who complete the training and pass the certification exam receive temporary EMT certification, while those who don't fulfill the service requirement must reimburse the training agency. The bill aims to expand local EMT workforce access through accessible, no-cost training pathways.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics State Budget Higher Education K-12 Education Professional Licensing Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 339: "Madalyn's Law"; requires school districts to incorporate age-appropriate instruction on toxic shock syndrome and requires installation of signage in certain women's rooms to enhance public awareness of toxic shock syndrome.

"Madalyn's Law" requires New Jersey school districts to include age-appropriate toxic shock syndrome education in health classes for grades 4-12 starting in the 2020-2021 school year. It also mandates that owners of public restrooms with two or more toilets in commercial buildings (like shopping centers) install clear signage about toxic shock syndrome symptoms and risks near tampon dispensers or in visible locations. Violations carry $100 penalties per offense. The law excludes elementary school restrooms (grades below 5) and directs the Department of Health to create public awareness materials and signage standards.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3943: Permits eligible high school students to take certain courses at county college.

This bill allows New Jersey high school students aged 16 or older who are in grade 12, maintain good academic standing, and have principal approval to enroll in career-focused courses at county colleges, provided space is available. It removes the requirement for students to hold a State-endorsed diploma or have completed the GED to take these courses toward career certifications. County colleges must permit such enrollment but are not required to waive existing course prerequisites or application rules. The policy aims to expand access to early career training for eligible high school students.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education K-12 Education

All education bills