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Bill

A 215

Requires public schools to provide age-appropriate information to students in grades nine through 12 on United States military and veterans.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 2 co-sponsors

Public high schools must hold an annual 30-minute, age-appropriate assembly on the U.S. military and veterans, plus a yearly veterans appreciation event with local veterans’ group

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 215

Bill Overview

A 215 (Session 222, New Jersey) requires public middle and high schools to provide age-appropriate information about the United States military to students in grades nine through 12. The bill also mandates a veterans appreciation event each year and calls for collaboration with local veterans groups in planning that event. It takes effect immediately and applies to the first full school year after enactment.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Increase student awareness of the U.S. military, its structure, and its role in society.
  • Elevate recognition of veterans’ contributions.
  • Promote educational engagement around military service pathways (ROTC, service academies, and related opportunities).
  • Establish an annual veterans-focused activity to complement the informational assembly.

Key Provisions

  1. Assembly on the Military
  2. Public schools with grades 9–12 must annually hold an assembly.
  3. Content must be age-appropriate and include:
    • Basic structure of the military and its branches.
    • Contributions of veterans to American society.
    • Information about ROTC, U.S. service academies, and other forms of military involvement.
  4. Assembly duration: at least 30 minutes.

  5. Timing: to be held in November to coincide with Veterans Day.

  6. Veterans Appreciation Event

  7. Schools must annually hold a veterans appreciation event in addition to the information assembly.

  8. Acceptable formats for fulfilling the event requirement:

    • Publicly honoring one or more veterans.
    • Hosting a veteran who provides a speech or presentation.
    • Participation in an alternative educational initiative honoring U.S. military members.

  9. Collaboration with Veterans Organizations

  10. Schools must consult with a local veterans’ association to assist in developing the veterans appreciation event.

Who is Affected

  • Public schools serving grades 9–12 are subject to the requirements.
  • Students in grades 9–12 will receive the mandated assembly content.
  • Local veterans’ associations may engage with schools to help plan and execute the event.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective date: immediate, with applicability beginning in the first full school year after enactment.
  • Annual cycle: one 30-minute information assembly in November, plus one veterans appreciation event each year.
  • Implementation relies on collaboration between schools and local veterans’ associations.

Potential Impacts

  • Educational: Provides structured, ongoing exposure to military structure, veterans’ contributions, and career/education pathways in the military.
  • Community engagement: Encourages partnerships between schools and veterans’ organizations.
  • Cultural: Formalizes recognition of military service within the school year’s activities.

Note: The bill text does not specify funding or enforcement mechanisms beyond the mandated requirements.

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

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