S 1156 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

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 schools to try out for and join their district's high school sports teams, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as public school students (including academic standards, physical exams, and fees). Nonpublic school students must provide proof of district residency and comply with all team rules, behavior expectations, and participation requirements set by the district. School districts may charge nonpublic students a fee up to the actual per-pupil cost of the sport (excluding those with financial hardship, defined by school lunch program criteria), but are not required to provide transportation or alter team schedules. The bill does not change existing eligibility rules governed by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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