ASSEMBLY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1429

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 15, 2026

      The Assembly Education Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1429.

      As amended, this bill permits a board of education to employ an eligible veteran who does not hold a New Jersey teaching certificate or substitute credential in a full-time or part-time coaching position in the school district’s interscholastic athletic program.  An “eligible veteran” is defined by the bill as any resident of the State who has: been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from military service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, or a reserve component thereof, following at least four years of service; and undergone a criminal history record check, as required under current law for an individual employed for pay or contract in a position that involves regular contact with pupils. 

      Under current New Jersey regulations, in order to be eligible to work in a school district’s interscholastic athletic program, an individual is required to hold either a New Jersey teaching certificate or a substitute credential.  This bill would exempt eligible veterans from this requirement. 

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to clarify that an eligible veteran is required to undergo a criminal history record check, as required under current law for an individual employed for pay or contract in a position that involves regular contact with pupils.