Bill

Bill > S2828


NJ S2828

NJ S2828
Requires local boards of education to employ certain number of staff with expertise in student mental health.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
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 full-time basis to each school within the school district at least two staff members with professional expertise in student mental health. Persons eligible to fulfill this requirement include licensed school counselors and school psychologists. The bill further provides that, for each school with student enrollment above 500, the board is required to employ and assign on a full-time basis additional staff members with professional expertise in student mental health in a manner that is proportional to student enrollment.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that every local board of education must hire and assign at least two full-time staff members with specialized knowledge in student mental health to each school within their district. These professionals can include individuals holding a New Jersey standard educational services certificate with a school counselor endorsement, known as licensed school counselors, or those with a school psychologist endorsement, referred to as school psychologists. For schools exceeding 500 students, the bill requires the board to hire additional mental health staff proportionally to the student population, ensuring adequate support as enrollment grows. The law takes effect immediately but will be implemented starting with the first full school year after its enactment.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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