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Bill

A 4954

Modifies certain provisions of law concerning speech-language specialists.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Swain

Strengthens BCST involvement and requires consultation in classification decisions for students with communication impairments, including adding a speech-language specialist to BCS

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Regulated Professions Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4954

Bill Summary: A 4954 (NJ, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

A 4954 updates New Jersey law governing speech-language services within the special education framework. It replaces certain outdated terms, clarifies roles in the classification process for children with communication impairments, strengthens the participation of the basic child study team (BCST) in classification decisions, and confines private contracting for speech-language services to temporary, vacancy-driven needs when district staff are insufficient. The measure takes effect immediately but applies first to the first full school year after enactment.

Key provisions

  • Update of terminology in classification and services

    • Replaces references to “speech correctionist” with “speech-language specialist” or “speech-language pathologist.”
    • Replaces references to expired State Board of Education (SBOE) regulations with general references to SBOE regulations on special education.

  • Basic Child Study Team (BCST) composition and involvement

    • Requires BCST to include a speech-language specialist for students with:
    • Preschool child with a disability
    • Communication impairment
    • Eligibility for speech-language services
    • Changes how classification decisions are made for children with communication impairment:
    • Previously: Classification could be made by BCST and an approved speech-language professional without child study consultation.
    • Now: BCST must consult with child study personnel (i.e., child study consultation) in the classification decision for these students.

  • Classification procedures for communication impairments

    • The proposed classification is still reported to the parent/guardian at a meeting to determine eligibility.
    • Parents must be offered opportunities for consultation with appropriate district personnel before implementation and for further review in the Department of Education, per applicable rules.

  • Nonpublic school considerations

    • Maintains:
    • Examination and classification of identified nonpublic-school children under district procedures and SBOE rules.
    • The location for nonpublic school evaluations is set by the local district and approved by the commissioner.
    • The “parental consultation” requirement remains, as above.

  • Contracting for speech-language services

    • Boards of education may contract with:
    • An educational improvement center
    • An educational services commission
    • Other public or private agencies approved by the commissioner
    • Restrictions:
    • Private contracting is not allowed for church or sectarian schools.
    • May be used to supplement existing district staff only to address temporary vacancies when district staff are insufficient to provide services.
    • Prior to changes in service provision, boards must provide timely and meaningful consultation with appropriate nonpublic school representatives (including parents).

Who is affected

  • Students

    • Specifically those classified as preschool with a disability, those with communication impairments, or those eligible for speech-language services.
    • Parents/guardians receive enhanced notice, consultation opportunities, and review options during classification and service decisions.

  • School districts and boards of education

    • Must adjust BCST membership to include a speech-language specialist for the identified student groups.
    • Must ensure BCST participates in classification decisions with child study consultation.
    • May contract speech-language services only under the outlined conditions to address temporary vacancies.

  • Nonpublic schools and families

    • Maintain consultation requirements and location rules for evaluations of nonpublic-school children.
    • Remain involved in decision-making processes and reviews.

Timelines and implementation

  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • First applicability: The act applies to the first full school year following enactment.
  • Ongoing processes: Classification, BCST composition, parent/guardian consultation, and potential contracting are integrated into current special education procedures, with updated roles and terminology.

Overall impact

  • Brings terminology and processes in line with current practice by replacing outdated terms.
  • Strengthens the role of the BCST and parental involvement in classification for students with communication impairments.
  • Provides a framework for temporary outsourcing of speech-language services only when district staff shortages prevent service delivery, subject to approvals and consultation requirements.

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

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