Bill
Bill > S3297
NJ S3297
NJ S3297Requires certain athletic trainers and certain coaches of interscholastic sports, cheerleading and dance programs, and collegiate sports to complete student-athlete eating disorder training program developed by Commissioner of Education.
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop a student-athlete eating disorder awareness training program and requires certain coaches of interscholastic sports, cheerleading and dance programs, and collegiate sports to complete the training program. The training program, developed in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education and the Commissioner of Health, is required to include information on: the types of eating disorders and risk factors for developing an eating disorder; how to identify the behaviors and symptoms exhibited by an individual with an eating disorder; how to prevent eating disorders among student-athletes; information on the services available to a student with an eating disorder offered through the State, county, public institution of higher education, or public school, as applicable; and protocols for connecting a student-athlete with a potential eating disorder with available services. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner and secretary to update the program as necessary and, in developing the program, consider any information available from a State or national athletic association or conference or mental health association. Under the bill, beginning with the first full school year or academic year, as applicable, following the establishment of the student-athlete eating disorder awareness training program, a person who is appointed as a coach of a middle school or high school interscholastic sport, a middle school or high school cheerleading or dance program, or a collegiate sport, and an athletic trainer employed by a public school or public institution of higher education is required to complete the training program every two years. A coach or athletic trainer is required to initially complete the training program within six months of the first full school year or academic year, as applicable, following the establishment of the training program. The coach or athletic trainer is then required to complete the training program every two years thereafter. Finally, a newly appointed coach or newly employed athletic trainer is required to complete the training program within six months of their appointment or employment. Additionally, the bill each board of education and governing board of a public institution of higher education to adopt a policy detailing the protocol that a coach, athletic trainer, or other staff member is to follow when it is suspected that a student-athlete may have an eating disorder.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Secretary of Higher Education and the Commissioner of Health, develop a training program focused on student-athlete eating disorder awareness, which will cover topics such as identifying eating disorders, risk factors, prevention strategies, available support services, and referral protocols. This program must be updated as needed and consider input from athletic and mental health associations. Beginning with the first full school or academic year after the program's establishment, coaches of interscholastic sports, cheerleading, dance programs at public schools, collegiate sports at public institutions of higher education, and athletic trainers employed by public schools or public institutions of higher education will be required to complete this training every two years, with initial completion required within six months of their appointment or employment. Furthermore, each board of education and governing board of a public institution of higher education must establish a policy outlining the procedures for staff to follow when an eating disorder is suspected in a student-athlete, including notification and referral processes.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 02/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3297 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3297_I1.HTM |
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