Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 15, 2026

A 4236: Designates accounting as STEM subject for various educational and other programs.

This New Jersey bill amends state law to officially include accounting as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subject for educational programs. It updates two existing statutes - specifically P.L.2021, c.76 and P.L.2021, c.239 - to add "accounting" to the definition of STEM fields. This change expands eligibility for state-funded initiatives supporting underrepresented students (such as women and minorities) in higher education recruitment and K-12 outreach programs focused on STEM careers. The bill does not create new programs but adjusts statutory language to ensure accounting degrees and careers qualify for existing STEM-related support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands STEM eligibility for underrepresented students in state-funded programs, strengthening educational access and participation in STEM fields.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 15, 2026

S 1340: Requires Commissioner of Education to develop guidance on accommodations for certain students fasting for religious or medical reasons.*

This bill allows public high school students in New Jersey who observe Ramadan to opt out of required physical education classes and sports participation during the holy month. Students may substitute PE with an instructional course or study hall (earning equivalent graduation credits) by submitting written notice to their principal before scheduling. Student-athletes may also be excused from sports or cheerleading programs by notifying their coach, with coaches prohibited from penalizing such absences. The policy specifically accommodates Muslim students' religious obligation to fast during Ramadan, without exempting them from other required health education courses.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables religious accommodation in PE/sports, allowing students to meet graduation requirements via alternatives, expanding educational access and inclusivity for observant students.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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signed · New Jersey · Senate May 7, 2026

S 1370: Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free.*

S 1370 requires that all new flooring installed in schools (K-12 public or private) and licensed child care centers must be certified by the manufacturer as mercury-free before a construction permit can be issued. This applies to any new construction, repair, or upgrade of flooring in these facilities. Manufacturers falsely claiming mercury-free flooring face civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for repeat violations. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates mercury-free flooring in schools for safety, directly improving school infrastructure and student/staff health as part of facility standards.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates mercury-free flooring to prevent environmental contamination from toxic mercury, directly reducing pollution and aligning with environmental protection regulations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 2195: Directs DOH to develop guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education concerning student vaping awareness campaigns.*

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (DOE) to create and distribute annual guidelines for school districts and colleges. The guidelines must include research-backed materials on vaping's health risks (lung effects, mental health, comparison to smoking, dangers to pregnant people and children), age-appropriate anti-vaping campaigns, decision-making tools to resist peer pressure, and promotional materials for students from middle school through college. Schools and colleges must use these guidelines to implement campus anti-vaping programs. The DOH and DOE will update the guidelines yearly and post them online with additional resources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires DOE/DOH to create anti-vaping guidelines for schools, enhancing student health education programs through research-backed materials and age-appropriate campaigns.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates health risk education on vaping's effects, including mental health, to prevent harm and promote student health awareness.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4723: Requires each public institution of higher education to develop menstrual equity plan.

This bill requires the president of every public college or university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity plan. The plan must outline how the institution will provide free menstrual products to students and staff, including estimates of need, distribution locations, costs, and a timeline for full implementation within 12 months. Once developed, the plan must be submitted to the institution's governing body, the Governor, and the Legislature. The law defines menstrual equity as ensuring equal access to menstrual hygiene products while reducing stigma around menstruation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by ensuring menstrual product availability, removing barriers to student participation in higher education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates free menstrual product distribution at public institutions, improving access to essential health products and supporting menstrual equity.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 2243: Requires each public institution of higher education to develop menstrual equity plan.*

S 2243 requires every public college and university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity task force within six months of the law's effective date. The task force, appointed by each institution's president and including diverse campus stakeholders (students, faculty, housing, health centers, etc.), must develop a detailed plan for free menstrual product access within six months. The plan must cover product needs, distribution locations, costs, and a 12-month implementation timeline. Institutions must implement the approved plan within one year, ensuring equal access to menstrual products while reducing stigma. The bill defines "menstrual equity" as removing barriers to care and addressing stigma around menstruation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires free menstrual products in higher ed, improving student access and well-being, directly supporting educational access90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires free menstrual products in public colleges, improving access to essential health supplies for students, aligning with healthcare access indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 434: Prohibits SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid from denying coverage for maintenance medications for chronic conditions for covered persons solely because of change in health benefits plan or pharmacy benefits manager.

This bill prevents New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and Medicaid from denying coverage for maintenance medications treating chronic conditions when a person's health plan or pharmacy provider changes. It requires coverage continuity if a patient was taking the medication before the plan change and the new plan covers that specific drug class. The law applies to state employees, school staff, and Medicaid recipients who rely on ongoing medication for conditions like diabetes or hypertension. It ensures these individuals won't lose access to essential medications due solely to administrative shifts in their health coverage plans.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill ensures health coverage continuity for school staff (including teachers) under SEHBP, supporting educator well-being and stability in education workforce.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents coverage denials for chronic maintenance meds during plan changes, ensuring continuity of care for SHBP/SEHBP/Medicaid beneficiaries. Protects patient access to essential medications.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnsures healthcare coverage continuity for state employees and school staff (covered under SHBP/SEHBP), protecting employment-related benefits and preventing disruptions in chronic medication access.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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