New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey S1343: County fire academy course-req districts award high school graduation credits
Status: Passed one chamber, June 18, 2026
Permits students to be eligible for high school graduation credits in career readiness or career, and technical education for completing county fire academy course under certain circumstances.*
What the bill says
An Act concerning credit for graduation requirements and supplementing chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
From the amended text, May 28, 2026:
An Act concerning credit for graduation requirements and supplementing chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. a. A student who successfully completes a course at a county fire academy shall be eligible to receive credit toward meeting high school graduation requirements for 1[health, safety, and physical education] [ADDED: career readiness or career and technical education] 1 in accordance with N.J.A.C.6A:8-5.1, provided that the 1[student]1: (1) 1 [ADDED: county fire academy ensures that the course aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills;] [ADDED: (2) student] 1 is between the ages of 16 and 18 years old; 1[(2)] [ADDED: (3) student] 1 completes an examination, as applicable, to become a junior firefighter, or an equivalent position; and 1[(3)] [ADDED: (4) student] 1 commits to volunteer at the fire department that serves the municipality in which the student resides for a period of two years. b. Nothing in this act shall be construed as fulfilling the requirement to become a member of the Junior Firefighters Auxiliary established pursuant to N.J.S.40A:14-96. 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall first apply to the first full school year following the date of enactment.
Sponsors
- Joseph Pennacchio (R, 26) · primary sponsor
- Anthony M. Bucco (R, 25) · primary sponsor
- Britnee N. Timberlake (D, 34)
- Vin Gopal (D, 11)
Latest actions
- : R/A REF AED
- : PS (40-0)
- : SA 2RS (Voice) (Ruiz)
- : REP 2RS
- : INT 1RS REF SED
Votes
- 3RDG FINAL PASSAGE - County fire academy course-req districts award high school graduation credits (June 18, 2026): 40 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Education Committee: Reported favorably (March 2, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: EDUCATION
Common questions
- What is S1343?
- S1343 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): County fire academy course-req districts award high school graduation credits.
- What does S1343 do?
- In its own words: An Act concerning credit for graduation requirements and supplementing chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
- What is the status of S1343?
- Passed one chamber as of June 18, 2026. Latest action: R/A REF AED (June 18, 2026).
- Who sponsored S1343?
- Joseph Pennacchio (R, 26), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S1343?
- On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1343
Source: official New Jersey record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.