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Bill

S 4101

Establishes task force to examine public school programs and services designed to address student mental health.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Corrado and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a multidisciplinary task force to review K-12 public school mental health programs, identify gaps, and issue recommendations to improve access and effectiveness.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4101

Summary of Bill S 4101 (New Jersey, 2026 Session 222)

Title

Establishes a task force to examine public school programs and services designed to address student mental health.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a dedicated task force to review and evaluate existing public school programs and services focused on student mental health.
  • Identify gaps, best practices, and opportunities to enhance mental health supports for students within New Jersey public schools.
  • Provide findings and recommendations to improve program effectiveness, access, and outcomes for students.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formation of a Task Force

    • A new multidisciplinary task force would be established to study mental health programs and services in public schools.
    • The composition is likely to include educators, school administrators, mental health professionals, Parent-Teacher Associations, and potentially representatives from state education and health departments (specific member eligibility and appointment processes would be defined in the bill).

  • Scope of Review

    • Assess current mental health programs and services offered in K-12 public schools, including counseling services, school-based mental health programs, crisis intervention, prevention and early intervention efforts, and community partnerships.
    • Evaluate program funding, staffing, training, accessibility for students with diverse needs, and alignment with state standards and best practices.
    • Examine metrics and data collection methods used to monitor student mental health outcomes and service utilization.

  • Recommendations

    • The task force would be required to issue findings and recommendations aimed at improving access, quality, and effectiveness of mental health supports.
    • Potential areas for recommendations may include funding needs, staffing ratios, training requirements for staff, integration with districtwide supports, referral processes, and coordination with community mental health providers.

  • Reporting

    • The bill would specify deadlines for the task force to report its findings, likely including an initial report and a final comprehensive report to be submitted to the Legislature.
    • The reports may include proposed legislative or administrative actions, guidance, or model programs for districts to consider.

Who is Affected

  • Public School Students (K-12): The primary beneficiaries, as the task force’s review targets school-based mental health programs and their effectiveness.
  • School Districts and Administrators: May be impacted by recommended changes to program design, staffing, funding, and reporting practices.
  • Educators and School Counselors: Could be affected by any proposed changes to training, caseloads, and collaboration with mental health professionals.
  • State Education and Health Agencies: Likely to participate in the task force and implement approved recommendations.
  • Families and Communities: Indirectly affected through potential improvements in student well-being and school climate.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduced and Referred: As of May 4, 2026, the bill was introduced in the New Jersey Senate and referred to the Senate Education Committee.
  • Next Steps: The committee would hold hearings, gather testimony, and deliberate on amendments before advancing the bill to the full Senate and, subsequently, to the Assembly. The bill would include specific timelines for the task force’s formation, meeting schedule, and reporting deadlines.

Notes

  • The bill lists Angela McKnight as a co-sponsor.
  • Specific details such as the precise composition of the task force, appointment procedures, funding allocations, and exact reporting deadlines would be clarified in the text of the bill and any amendments during committee consideration.

This summary focuses on the essential purpose, provisions, affected parties, and procedural steps for Bill S 4101. If you have access to the bill’s full text, I can expand this with exact language on member appointments, statutory references, and reporting timelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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