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Bill > S1374
NJ S1374
NJ S1374Requires local boards of education to employ certain number of school psychologists.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires local boards of education to employ and assign on a fulltime basis to each school within the school district at least one school counselor. The bill also provides that the maximum student to school psychologist ratio per school in a school district will be 500:1. The most recent recommendations of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) suggest that it is necessary to maintain a ratio of one school psychologist per 500 students in order to provide comprehensive school psychological services. The NASP estimates a national ratio of one school psychologist per 1,211 students, with some states approaching a ratio of one school psychologist per 5,000 students. School psychologists are uniquely qualified educational services professionals who receive advanced graduate preparation that includes coursework and field experiences relevant to both psychology and education. It is vital that school districts make school psychologists available to their students to ensure that they receive the best direct support and interventions needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that local boards of education must hire at least one full-time school psychologist for each school within their district and establishes a maximum student-to-school psychologist ratio of 500 to 1, a standard recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to ensure students receive adequate support for their academic, social, and emotional well-being. School psychologists are defined as individuals holding a New Jersey standard educational services certificate with a school psychologist endorsement, indicating they have specialized graduate training in both psychology and education. The bill also requires school districts to seek any available federal funding to help implement these new requirements, and these provisions will take effect in the second full school year after the bill is enacted.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1374 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1374_I1.HTM |
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