Education

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

A 3821: Requires evidence-based early reading instruction be implemented in public schools.

This bill requires New Jersey public schools to implement evidence-based early reading instruction for students in preschool through grade three. It mandates the Commissioner of Education to develop a literacy plan within one year that emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - while explicitly prohibiting the use of balanced literacy theory and the three-cueing model ("MSV"). School districts must adopt this instruction starting two years after enactment, and teachers must complete new certification requirements, including six academic credits in evidence-based methods. The bill directly affects all public school districts, teachers, and educator preparation programs in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates evidence-based early reading instruction (phonics-focused) while prohibiting 'balanced literacy' and 'three-cueing' in K-3, advancing specific educational standards for literacy instruction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Teachers

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3290: Establishes pilot program in DOE to use lockable cell phone pouches in certain public schools; appropriates $500,000.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $500,000 from General Fund for school pilot program, directly funding a new educational initiative per budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $500,000 for a K-12 pilot study on cell phone pouches to improve academic performance and mental health, directly advancing educational outcomes through funding and research.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Safety

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

A 168: Exempts fuel used for operation of certain school buses from petroleum products gross receipts tax and motor fuel tax; clarifies tax treatment of certain dyed fuel thereunder; clarifies determination of taxable estates of certain decedents.

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.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExempts school bus fuel from two state taxes, reducing state tax revenue and weakening fiscal collection.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExempts school bus fuel from taxes, reducing operational costs for K-12 transportation - a direct funding support for school operations and student access.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts school bus fuel from taxes, reducing operational costs for transportation services used in student transit.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes School Transportation Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2747: Requires DCF to expand services provided by NJ Statewide Student Support Services program to include eating disorder services.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands K-12 student support services to include eating disorder counseling, enhancing mental health access within schools and aligning with student program improvements.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands mental health services for students by adding eating disorder support to existing program, directly advancing healthcare access under mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Mental Health

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died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 901: "Max's Law"; requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of fentanyl and xylazine.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates age-appropriate health curriculum on drug dangers, strengthening educational content in schools per legislative requirement.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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

A 4390: Makes $20.2 million supplemental appropriation for increased nonpublic school security aid; modifies budget language to increase per pupil amount.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state funding ($20.2M supplemental appropriation) for nonpublic school security, directly advancing public service funding within budget allocations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill increases per-pupil security aid from $205 to $338 ($20.2M total) for nonpublic school safety, directly enhancing school security infrastructure and student safety in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget School Safety

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

A 2216: Requires several State agencies to review and increase, if authorized, income eligibility standards for certain public assistance, school nutrition, and higher education student financial assistance programs; makes an appropriation.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates new appropriations to expand eligibility for public assistance and education programs by increasing income thresholds based on minimum wage hikes and COLA, directly funding essential services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases income eligibility for school nutrition and higher education financial aid, expanding access to educational support programs by aligning thresholds with minimum wage and cost-of-living adjustments.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAdjusts public assistance eligibility thresholds to match minimum wage increases since 2019, expanding access to benefits for low-income workers as wages rise.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education Student Financial Aid Minimum Wage

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

A 237: Regulates the authority of the court to make provision for the educational expenses of an unemancipated child in certain instances involving child support.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationClarifies courts can order child support for post-high school education, expanding access for unemancipated children under 18 or with disabilities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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

A 167: Requires legislative approval of changes to core curriculum content standards and Statewide assessments.

This bill (A-167) requires New Jersey's State Board of Education to obtain legislative approval before implementing changes to core curriculum standards or statewide assessments. Specifically, any revision to these standards or assessments must be submitted to the Legislature, which must vote on a concurrent resolution within 45 days to approve or disapprove the change. If disapproved, the change cannot be implemented; if approved, it takes effect. This directly affects the State Board of Education (which develops standards) and the Legislature (which must vote on changes), shifting authority from the Board to the elected Legislature for these education policy decisions.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRequires legislative approval for curriculum changes, restricting State Board autonomy and limiting flexibility in education standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Testing & Assessment

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

A 2184: Permits students experiencing menstrual disorder to attend school remotely.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by allowing remote attendance for students with medical conditions, ensuring continuity of learning without penalty to graduation requirements.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows students with medical conditions to attend remotely with documentation, improving access to education during health challenges related to healthcare needs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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