SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE, No. 1340

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 11, 2026

      The Senate Education Committee reports favorably a Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 1340.

      This bill requires the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to develop and distribute guidance to public schools concerning accommodations for students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons.  The commissioners are required to consult with interested stakeholders in the education community in developing the guidance.

      The bill provides that the guidance will address:

      (1)  scheduling considerations and flexibility for physical education classes, athletic participation, examinations, and other school activities;

      (2)  differentiated instruction and alternative educational activities for students whose fasting may affect participation in certain instructional or physical activities;

      (3)  model policies concerning matters related to student fasting;

      (4)  methods by which school districts may address graduation credit requirements and course participation requirements;

      (5)  communication with parents or guardians regarding requests for accommodations related to fasting; and

      (6)  professional development resources and best practices for teachers, coaches, school nurses, counselors, and administrators concerning students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons.

      Within 180 days of the effective date of the bill, the Department of Education is required to post the guidance on its Internet website.