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Bill > A6263
NJ A6263
NJ A6263Establishes Military-Connected Student Mental Health Grant Program; appropriates $1 million.
summary
Introduced
12/11/2025
12/11/2025
In Committee
12/11/2025
12/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes the Military-Connected Student Mental Health Grant Program. Under the bill, the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, is required to develop and administer the Military-Connected Student Mental Health Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to award grants to school districts with high concentrations of military-connected students to expand mental health services. The Commissioner of Education would award grants, within the limit of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the program, to selected school districts to be used to expand mental health services, provide mental health outreach to military-connected students, and provide counseling to military-connected students whose parent or guardian is called to State or federal active duty. A school district that wishes to apply for a grant is required to submit an application to the commissioner in a manner and form to be determined by the commissioner. The school district is required to demonstrate in its application that a majority of the schools in the district have high concentrations of military-connected students. In addition, the application would include various other information related to how the applicant school district would use grant funds and the impact of those funds. The commissioner is required to develop criteria for the evaluation of applications for grant funds and determine the amounts allocated to selected school districts. The commissioner may award multi-year grants. Under the bill, each school district that receives a grant is required to report certain information to the Commissioner of Education and the commissioner is subsequently required to report program-related information to the Governor and the Legislature. Finally, the bill appropriates $1 million to the Department of Education for the purposes of the program.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Military-Connected Student Mental Health Grant Program, which aims to support school districts with high numbers of students from military families by providing funds to expand mental health services. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, will administer the program and award grants to eligible school districts. To qualify, districts must demonstrate that a majority of their schools have significant military-connected student populations, and their grant applications must include details about current mental health services, funding needs, and potential service expansion. A military-connected student is defined as a dependent of a member of the armed forces, National Guard, or reserve components. School districts receiving grants will be required to submit a report within one year detailing how the funds were used, including information on the number of students served and any improvements in school metrics. The Commissioner of Education must then submit a comprehensive report to the Governor and Legislature about the program's implementation and effectiveness. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to support the program, and it allows for potential multi-year grants. The goal is to provide targeted mental health support for students who may be experiencing unique challenges due to having a parent or guardian in military service.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 12/11/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6263 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6263_I1.HTM |
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