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Bill > S1797
NJ S1797
NJ S1797Requires eligible children from birth to five to receive early intervention services.
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 that the early intervention services program in the Department of Health (DOH) provide services to eligible infants, toddlers, and young children, from birth to age five, in accordance with Part C of the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)," Pub.L.91-230 (20 U.S.C. s.1471 et seq.). Currently, the program provides services to eligible infants and toddlers from birth to age two, inclusive. This bill expands the program's mandate to also provide services to eligible young children between the ages of three and five. Under federal rules, states are allowed to extend Part C of IDEA to cover children beyond the age 3 if the child was eligible for Part C services when under the age 3, and subsequently is eligible for preschool services upon the age of 3. The bill's provisions also require the DOH to apply for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to secure federal financial participation for State expenditures under Part C of IDEA in order to finance the expansion of the early intervention services program to also include eligible young children between the ages of three and five.
AI Summary
This bill expands the state's early intervention services program, currently serving eligible infants and toddlers from birth to age two, to include eligible young children from birth to age five. The program, administered by the Department of Health (DOH) in conjunction with other departments, provides services to children with developmental delays or disabilities in accordance with Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that ensures special education and related services for children with disabilities. The bill also requires the DOH to seek federal funding through plan amendments or waivers to support this expansion, ensuring that the program can cover children up to age five, aligning with federal allowances for states to extend Part C services to children who were eligible before age three and continue to need services after turning three.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens 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/S1797 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1797_I1.HTM |
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