S 3868 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Clarifies public school student attendance recording and reporting requirements.

This bill clarifies how New Jersey public schools must record and report student attendance by establishing specific rules for excused and unexcused absences. It requires schools to count students as present if they participate in at least half a day of instruction, whether in-person, at an off-site location, or virtually. The legislation expands excused absences to include menstrual disorders, mental or behavioral health issues, court appearances, and family deaths, while also recognizing State-excused absences for religious observances, Veterans Day, election activities, college visits, and transportation closures. Students with excused absences can make up missed work, and these absences will not appear on transcripts or employment forms, though documentation may be required for approval.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 10, 2026 Last action Mar 10, 2026
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Mar 10, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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