Bill
Bill > S4101
NJ S4101
NJ S4101Establishes task force to examine public school programs and services designed to address student mental health.
summary
Introduced
05/04/2026
05/04/2026
In Committee
05/04/2026
05/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes the Task Force on Student Mental Health. Under the bill, the task force will consist of 16 members including: the Commissioner of Education; the Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services; one public member appointed by the President of the Senate and one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; one public member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly; and 10 members appointed by the Governor, including: a school board member, a school principal, a school administrator, an elementary school teacher, a high school teacher, a school counselor, a school social worker, and a school psychologist, all of whom are currently employed in public schools in the State; and two parents of students enrolled in a public school. The task force will study and make recommendations regarding the following:· the identification of public school students who experience depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder;· the evaluation and expansion of counseling programs and services available to students experiencing mental health difficulties, and other programs designed to address issues related to student mental health; · the relationship of student mental health to school safety and security; · the amount of funding that may be necessary for public schools to employ the appropriate staff and to establish new programs or expand existing programs necessary to address student mental health; and· an examination of other states which have implemented programs that have successfully addressed depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder among public school students and reduced the number of students experiencing such difficulties. The bill directs the task force to issue a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after its organizational meeting. The task force will expire 30 days after the submission of the final report.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Task Force on Student Mental Health, a 16-member group comprised of state officials, public members with relevant expertise, and individuals directly involved in public education such as teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents. The task force's primary objective is to study and make recommendations on how to identify public school students experiencing mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, evaluate and expand existing counseling and mental health services, and determine the necessary funding for schools to address these issues effectively. It will also examine successful programs in other states and consider the link between student mental health and school safety. The task force is required to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within one year of its organization and will then be dissolved.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 05/04/2026)
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/S4101 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4500/4101_I1.HTM |
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