NJ S2654

Bill

Requires school districts to provide instruction on interacting with law enforcement as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.

Introduced
01/13/2026

In Committee
01/13/2026

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires school districts to provide instruction on interacting with law enforcement in a manner marked by mutual cooperation and respect, and on the rights of individuals when interacting with a law enforcement official, as part of the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies, beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The instruction must provide students with information on: the role and responsibilities of a law enforcement official in providing for public safety; an individual's responsibilities to comply with a directive from a law enforcement official; and an individual's rights under law in interacting with a law enforcement official. The bill directs the Commissioner of Education to appoint an advisory committee to assist in the development of a curriculum for the implementation of the instructional requirement, and details the organizations that are to serve on the advisory committee. The bill specifies that the curriculum must consist of two parts, with one part that includes age-appropriate instruction for students enrolled in grades kindergarten through four, and one part designed for the more rigorous instruction of students enrolled in grades five through 12.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that New Jersey school districts integrate instruction on how to interact with law enforcement officials respectfully and cooperatively, as well as information about individual rights during such encounters, into their Social Studies curriculum starting in the 2018-2019 school year. This instruction will cover the duties of law enforcement in ensuring public safety, a person's obligation to follow lawful directives from officers, and an individual's legal rights when interacting with law enforcement. To guide the creation of this curriculum, the Commissioner of Education will establish an advisory committee composed of representatives from various organizations, including law enforcement associations, civil liberties groups, civil rights organizations, and educational bodies. The curriculum will be divided into two age-appropriate parts: one for kindergarten through fourth graders and another, more advanced section for fifth through twelfth graders.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Britnee Timberlake (D)*,

Last Action

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

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2654

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2654
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2654_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A3258	Requires school districts to provide instruction on interacting with law enforcement as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee	Carry Over
A3711	Requires school districts to provide instruction on interacting with law enforcement as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee	Same As
S1079	Requires school districts to provide instruction on interacting with law enforcement as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S2654

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary