Bill

Bill > S1139


NJ S1139

NJ S1139
Establishes "Parents Bill of Rights Act"; prohibits school district from interfering with fundamental right of parent or guardian to engage in and direct student's education; permits opt-out of school district curriculum.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes the "Parents Bill of Rights Act." The bill provides that a parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school in the State has a fundamental right to engage in and direct their child's education. Under the bill, the parent or guardian's fundamental right to engage in and direct their child's education includes, but is not limited to, the right to (1) a summary of the curriculum to be taught to their child in the current school year; (2) review the curriculum to be taught to their child in the current school year; (3) review a list of the media services, textbooks, and books that are used in the classroom and that are available to a student through the school district; and (4) opt their child out of any curriculum that the parent or guardian believes is in conflict with their conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. No penalties as to credit or graduation are permitted as a result of a parent or guardian's decision to opt their child out of the curriculum under the provisions of the bill. The bill prohibits a school or school district from interfering with a parent or guardian's fundamental right to engage in and direct their child's education or denying a request by a parent or guardian for information made pursuant to the provisions of the bill.

AI Summary

This bill, titled the "Parents Bill of Rights Act," establishes that parents and guardians have a fundamental right to direct their child's education, which includes the right to receive a summary and review the curriculum their child will be taught, as well as to see a list of classroom materials like books and media services. Crucially, parents can opt their child out of any curriculum they believe conflicts with their conscience or deeply held moral or religious beliefs, and students will not face penalties regarding credit or graduation for doing so. The bill also prohibits schools and school districts from hindering a parent's ability to direct their child's education or denying requests for information related to these rights.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

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

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...