SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1374

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 2, 2026

      The Senate Education Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1374.

This bill requires local boards of education to employ and assign on a fulltime basis to each school within the school district at least one school counselor.  The bill also provides that the maximum student to school psychologist ratio per school in a school district is 500:1.

      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.