S1340 SCS

Sponsored by:

Senator JOSEPH PENNACCHIO

District 26 (Morris and Passaic)

Senator BRIAN P. STACK

District 33 (Hudson)

Co-Sponsored by:

Senators McKnight, Beach, Johnson and Ruiz

SYNOPSIS

Requires Commissioner of Education to develop guidance on accommodations for certain students fasting for religious or medical reasons.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

Substitute as adopted by the Senate Education Committee.

An Act concerning religious and medical accommodations for public school students and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. a. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop and distribute guidance to public schools concerning accommodations for students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons.

b. The guidance required pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall include, but not be limited to, recommendations concerning:

(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, including attendance, health, hydration, nutrition, and student wellness;

(4) methods by which school districts may address graduation credit requirements and course participation requirements while ensuring students continue to receive instruction aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards;

(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.

c. In developing the guidance pursuant to this section, the commissioners shall consult with interested stakeholders in the education community, including, but not limited to, educators, school health professionals, religious and community organizations, and organizations representing students with medical conditions that may require fasting.

d. The Department of Education shall make the guidance developed pursuant to subsection a. of this section publicly available on its Internet website within 180 days following the effective date of this act.

2. This act shall take effect immediately.