New JerseyNew Jersey would offer free monthly books to children under five
A new state program would mail free monthly books to enrolled New Jersey children under five and receive $2 million in state funding.
What it does
New Jersey children under five who enroll would receive an age-appropriate book by mail each month, free to their families, through a new state education program.
The state would set aside $2 million for the program. Its education division could also require the partner to supply at least half of the money needed.
Argument forFree books mailed each month could help families build home libraries without paying for books or arranging pickup.
Argument againstIf officials require matching money, some partner organizations could struggle to cover at least half of the program's funding needs.
More detail
The Department of Education would run a program that mails enrolled children a free book each month. Children must live in New Jersey and be under five. The department's early childhood division would partner with a national early literacy foundation or a New Jersey college or university. The program provisions would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.
The state would put $2 million into a dedicated program fund. The fund would support the book program and keep unused money for future use. The fund could receive donations, but donors could not impose conditions that conflict with New Jersey law. Any required partner contribution would be at least 50 percent of the money needed to carry out the program. The funding provisions would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.
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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
- Oct 15Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations CommitteeLatest
- Sep 17Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education CommitteeIntroduced
EducationTaxes & Budget