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A 437

Requires public schools that offer student psychological services to offer remote sessions.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Morales and 3 co-sponsors

Requires NJ schools with school psychologists to offer remote counseling for K–12 students, preserving in-person sessions when clinically appropriate.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 437

Bill Summary – New Jersey A 437 (Session 222)

Basic Information

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Bill Title: Requires public schools that offer student psychological services to offer remote sessions
  • Official Name: A-437
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor not listed; Co-sponsors include Shanique Speight, Carmen Morales, Gerry Scharfenberger, Mike Venezia
  • Introduced: January 13, 2026
  • Action Status: Referred to Assembly Education Committee

Purpose and Intent

  • To ensure that students in kindergarten through 12th grade who receive in-person school psychology services have the option to participate in counseling sessions remotely (via virtual or other remote means).
  • The bill aims to maintain access to psychological support for students who cannot or prefer not to attend in-person sessions, while preserving the option for in-person sessions when deemed in the student’s best interest.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Access to Remote Counseling

  • Applicability: Applies to school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects that employ a school psychologist and offer in-person school psychology services to students in grades K–12 (or any combination of those groups).
  • Requirement: Such institutions must permit students to attend counseling sessions or meetings with the school psychologist through virtual or remote means for counseling purposes.
  • Exception (In-Person Determination): A student may not participate remotely if the school psychologist determines that in-person counseling is in the student’s best interest.

Section 1 (Definitions)

  • “School Psychologist” is defined as a person who holds a New Jersey standard Educational Services certificate with a school psychologist endorsement.

Section 2: Effective Date

  • Effective Date: Immediate enactment.
  • First Applicable School Year: The policy applies starting with the first full school year after enactment.

Who Is Affected

  • Directly Affected: School districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects that employ school psychologists and offer in-person psychology services to students in grades K–12.
  • Indirectly Affected: Students and families who may benefit from remote access to school psychology services; school psychologists who would provide remote sessions (subject to clinical judgment about in-person needs).

Practical Impact and Considerations

  • Access and Flexibility: Increases accessibility to school-based psychological services by providing a remote option, which can be particularly beneficial for students with health concerns, transportation barriers, or scheduling conflicts.
  • Clinical Judgment: Keeps discretion with the school psychologist to prioritize in-person sessions when deemed in the student’s best interest.
  • Continuity of Services: Helps ensure continuity of psychological support for students who cannot attend in-person sessions, supporting emotional well-being and academic functioning.
  • Implementation: School districts would need to establish or adapt policies and procedures to offer remote sessions securely, maintain privacy, and ensure appropriate platform use.

Summary

A-437 requires New Jersey school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects with school psychologists to allow remote counseling sessions for K–12 students, while preserving the option for in-person sessions when recommended by the school psychologist. The act is effective upon enactment and first applies to the next full school year. The bill defines a school psychologist as a holder of the NJ standard educational services certificate with a psychology endorsement.

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

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