This bill (S 3290) establishes a one-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools (grades 6-12) to study whether lockable cell phone pouches improve student academic performance and mental health. School districts must apply with details about their schools, student enrollment, and implementation plans, and six districts will be selected (two per regional area) to participate. The program allocates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for implementation, training, and a post-pilot report due within 120 days evaluating the program’s effectiveness. The bill directly affects participating school districts and aims to inform future policy decisions, not mandate phone pouch use.
This bill exempts fuel used to operate school buses for transporting students to and from school or school activities from two state taxes: the petroleum products gross receipts tax and the motor fuel tax. It specifically applies to school buses operated by public school districts, religious or charitable organizations, or contractors working with government agencies. The bill also clarifies how certain dyed fuel (used for non-highway purposes) is taxed and updates rules for determining taxable estates of some residents. These changes directly affect school districts, nonprofit organizations, and contractors managing student transportation services in New Jersey.
This bill would require New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to expand the existing Statewide Student Support Services program to include eating disorder awareness, prevention, and counseling services for students in grades K-12. Regional hubs administering the program must assess community needs for these services and develop policies to provide them through the program's three-tiered system: universal workshops (Tier 1), small-group programs (Tier 2), and clinical interventions (Tier 3). The law directly affects all K-12 students in New Jersey by adding eating disorder support to existing mental health services. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.366.
This bill (A 901, "Max's Law") requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine in health education for students in grades 6-12. Key provisions mandate teaching specific topics like abuse prevention, poisoning symptoms, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. The bill also requires the state education department to provide resources, maintain online materials for schools and parents, and submit annual reports on the curriculum's effectiveness. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.278.
This bill adds $20.2 million in supplemental funding from the General Fund to New Jersey's Department of Education specifically for nonpublic school security aid. It increases the per-pupil security aid amount from $205 to $338, calculated by multiplying $338 by each district's count of nonpublic school students. The funding directly supports school districts in providing security services, equipment, or technology to ensure safe learning environments for nonpublic school students. This raises total nonpublic security aid funding from $30.55 million to $50.8 million.
This bill (A2216) requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, and Department of Human Services to review and update income eligibility limits for specific public assistance, school nutrition, and student financial aid programs. It mandates that if agencies have the authority and funding, they must increase income thresholds by the total percentage rise in the state minimum wage since 2019 (from $8.85 to $15.13) plus a cost-of-living adjustment based on Social Security benefits. The change directly affects low-income residents qualifying for programs like the National School Lunch Program, Community College Opportunity Grants, and public assistance benefits. The bill ensures these eligibility limits better reflect rising costs of living and minimum wage increases, without creating new programs or altering existing funding structures.
This bill amends New Jersey law to clarify that courts can order parents to cover post-high school educational expenses for unemancipated children (typically under 18 or with disabilities) as part of child support. It requires courts to consider specific factors related to higher education, such as the child's need, parents' financial circumstances, and the cost of education, when determining support amounts. The bill also specifies that child support obligations continue for children with severe disabilities (not due to substance abuse) until the court determines they no longer need financial support. It directly affects parents ordered to pay child support and unemancipated children seeking educational funding.
This bill allows students with diagnosed menstrual disorders (including severe cramps, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, or PCOS) to attend school remotely. Students' parents or guardians must submit a written request by the start of the school day, and schools may require medical documentation to verify the condition. Remote attendance counts as a full school day for graduation and course credit requirements. The bill directs education and health officials to create guidelines for schools on implementing this accommodation. It directly affects students in New Jersey public schools who experience these specific, medically recognized conditions.
This bill requires public high schools (grades 9-12) to have counselors or teachers discuss career paths in skilled labor, military service, or agriculture with students and their parents. It specifically mandates that military enlistment discussions include information about the military enlistment test. The state education commissioner must also provide schools with resources detailing these career opportunities, required education, certifications, or apprenticeships. The bill applies to all public schools with grades 9-12 and takes effect immediately after enactment.
S 3382 increases the maximum bond amount the state can issue to cover its share of school facility projects in SDA districts (high-need districts) and other school districts. The new limits set $2.9 billion for SDA districts and $1 billion for all other districts (with $50 million reserved for county vocational schools). Voter approval is required before any bonds under these new limits can be issued. This directly affects school districts seeking state funding for building improvements, enabling more resources for facility upgrades while maintaining fiscal oversight.
