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Bill > A2878


NJ A2878

NJ A2878
Requires school districts to receive written permission from parent or legal guardian before administering certain student health surveys.


summary

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

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would require school districts to receive written permission from a parent or legal guardian before administering certain health surveys to students. Under current law, a school district that sends prior written notification to a parent or legal guardian may administer an anonymous, voluntary survey, assessment or evaluation to the student which reveals information concerning any of the following issues: · use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and vaping;· sexual behavior and attitudes;· behaviors that may contribute to intentional or unintentional injuries or violence; or· physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors. Written notification provided to a parent or legal guardian is required to be delivered by regular mail, electronic mail, or a written acknowledgement form to be delivered by the student at least two weeks prior to administration of the survey, assessment, analysis, or evaluation. Information obtained through the survey is also required to be submitted to the Department of Education and the Department of Health and may be used to develop public health initiatives and prevention programs. This bill would amend current law to require a school district to receive written permission from a parent or legal guardian, rather than providing notification, prior to administering an anonymous, voluntary survey, assessment, analysis or evaluation to a student concerning the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and vaping; sexual behavior and attitudes; behaviors that may contribute to intentional or unintentional injuries or violence; or physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors.

AI Summary

This bill requires school districts to obtain written permission from a parent or legal guardian before administering certain anonymous, voluntary student health surveys, assessments, analyses, or evaluations, shifting from the current requirement of simply providing prior notification. These surveys cover sensitive topics such as alcohol, tobacco, drug, and vaping use, sexual behavior and attitudes, behaviors contributing to injuries or violence, and physical activity and nutrition. The bill mandates that school districts deliver a permission form to parents or guardians at least two weeks before the survey, detailing the survey's description, purpose, who will access the information, how parents can review it beforehand, and how they can grant or deny permission. Failure to respond will no longer indicate approval, and school districts violating these provisions will face monetary penalties.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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