New JerseySchools would include speech specialists on certain student evaluation teams
Certain students would have speech specialists on their school evaluation teams, starting the first full school year after enactment.
What it does
Certain students’ school evaluation teams would include speech specialists and require consultation for communication impairment decisions. These rules would start the first full school year after enactment.
Starting the first full school year after enactment, school boards could use approved private speech providers only for temporary vacancies when they cannot hire enough staff.
Argument forIncluding speech specialists on evaluation teams could help schools identify covered students’ communication needs and choose appropriate services.
Argument againstLimiting private speech providers to temporary vacancies could leave schools with fewer ways to provide services during lasting staff shortages.
More detail
School boards and state-run programs would include speech specialists on evaluation teams for certain students. The membership rule covers preschool children classified as having disabilities, students classified as having communication impairments, and students eligible for speech services. Decisions to classify a child as having a communication impairment would also require consultation with the student evaluation team. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment, with these requirements first applying in the first full school year following enactment.
School boards would face limits on contracting with private agencies or clinics for speech services. The restriction covers school boards contracting with private agencies or clinics for speech services. The New Jersey Department of Education must approve the provider. The provider must supplement existing district staff during temporary vacancies when the board cannot hire enough staff to provide speech services. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment, with the contracting restriction first applying in the first full school year following enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 10Reported and Referred to Assembly Education CommitteeLatest
- Vote recorded Reported favorably out of committee. Result: pass.Lower
- May 7Introduced, Referred to Assembly Regulated Professions CommitteeIntroduced
- Sep 10Reported and Referred to Assembly Education CommitteeLatest
EducationDisability Rights