NJ S854

Bill

Provides that public school parent who objects to learning material or activity that parent considers harmful may receive voucher from school district to enroll student in nonpublic school.

Introduced
01/13/2026

In Committee
01/13/2026

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill provides that in the event that the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school district objects to a learning material or activity that is part of the curriculum, on the basis that the material or activity is harmful, withdraws his child from the school district and enrolls the child in a nonpublic school, the resident school district is required to provide the parent or guardian with a voucher to support the tuition and fees of the nonpublic school. The voucher will equal 75 percent of the resident school district's annual spending per pupil prorated based upon the number of days remaining in the school year. An objection to a learning material or activity on the basis that it is harmful includes, but is not limited to, an objection that the material or activity questions, violates, or conflicts with the parent or guardian's belief or practice regarding sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, conscience, ethics, morality, or religion.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a voucher program for public school parents in New Jersey who object to curriculum materials or activities they deem harmful, allowing them to withdraw their child and enroll them in a nonpublic school, with the resident school district required to provide a voucher covering 75% of the district's annual per-pupil spending, prorated for the remainder of the school year. An objection is considered valid if the material or activity conflicts with the parent's beliefs or practices concerning sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, conscience, ethics, morality, or religion.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (4)

Joe Pennacchio (R)*, Mike Testa (R)*, Parker Space (R), Douglas Steinhardt (R),

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/S854

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S854
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/854_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A410	Provides that public school parent who objects to learning material or activity that parent considers harmful may receive voucher from school district to enroll student in nonpublic school.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee	Carry Over
A532	Provides that public school parent who objects to learning material or activity that parent considers harmful may receive voucher from school district to enroll student in nonpublic school.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee	Same As
S1329	Provides that public school parent who objects to learning material or activity that parent considers harmful may receive voucher from school district to enroll student in nonpublic school.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S854

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary