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Bill > S849


NJ S849

NJ S849
Requires school districts to allow home-schooled students to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities in student's resident district.


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 school districts to allow home-schooled students to participate in any school-sponsored extracurricular activity including, but not limited to, clubs, musical ensembles, Statewide interscholastic sports programs, and theatrical productions in the student's district of residence in accordance with the same criteria established for students enrolled in the district. Under the bill, a home-schooled student who wishes to participate in an extracurricular activity in the resident district is required to: (1) provide proof that the student resides in the district; (2) meet the eligibility and try out criteria for participation in the activity; and (3) comply with all policies, rules, and regulations of the governing organization of the extracurricular activity. In the event that the extracurricular activity involves participation in interscholastic athletics, the student is to demonstrate to the board of education that the student did not transfer to a home-school program for athletic advantage. Under the bill, if the extracurricular activity requires the completion of a physical examination or medical test as a condition of participation and the school district of residence offers the examination or test to the students enrolled in the school district, then the school district is required to allow a home-schooled student to access the examination or test and publish the dates and times of the examination or test on its website.

AI Summary

This bill requires school districts to allow home-schooled students to participate in any school-sponsored extracurricular activity, such as clubs, music groups, sports, and theater productions, within their district of residence, provided they meet the same eligibility and try-out requirements as enrolled students. To participate, home-schooled students must prove residency, meet activity criteria, and follow all governing rules. For interscholastic sports, students must also show they didn't switch to homeschooling solely for athletic gain, and those who left public school due to ineligibility will remain ineligible. If an activity requires a physical exam or medical test, and the district offers it to enrolled students, home-schooled students must also be allowed to access it, with dates and times published online.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

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

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