Limits certain requirements for certification of career and technical education teachers.
This bill (S 4515) changes certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in New Jersey. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring CTE teacher candidates to complete educator preparation programs longer than 200 hours or one academic year, replacing the current 350-hour two-year program. It also allows candidates to demonstrate basic English and math skills through alternatives like portfolios, industry certifications, or occupational licenses instead of standardized tests. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CTE teaching certification through the Alternate Route program, aiming to reduce barriers to entry.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Dec 2025
General Assembly Passage
Dec 2025
Signed into Law
Jan 2026
Introduced May 29, 2025
Signed Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Dec 22, 2025 · General Assembly Dec 22, 2025
How they voted
37–0
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 40
Dec 22, 2025
D
Democratic25
100% Yea
R
Republican15
80% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
8
Key actions
5
Committee
1
Amendments
1
Jan 12, 2026
Signed into law
Approved P.L.2025, c.216.
executive
Dec 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (74-0-0)
lower
Dec 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (37-0)
upper
Dec 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Amendment (Voice) (Ruiz)
upper
Jun 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
upper
May 29, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee
upper
5 primary · 10 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Carmen Morales
DDemocratic
P
Mike Venezia
DDemocratic
P
Shirley Turner
DDemocratic
P
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
DDemocratic
P
Vin Gopal
DDemocratic
Co
Dave Bailey
DDemocratic
Co
Declan O'Scanlon
RRepublican
Co
Linda Carter
DDemocratic
Co
Luanne Peterpaul
DDemocratic
Co
Margie Donlon
DDemocratic
Co
Michele Matsikoudis
RRepublican
Co
Patrick Diegnan
DDemocratic
Co
Rosy Bagolie
DDemocratic
Co
Roy Freiman
DDemocratic
Co
Shama Haider
DDemocratic
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