New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey A2042: Physical education/sport programs-permit students to opt out during Ramadan
Status: In committee, September 24, 2026
Requires Commissioner of Education to develop guidance on accommodations for certain students fasting for religious or medical reasons.*
What the bill says
An Act concerning religious and medical accommodations for public school students and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. 1. a. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop and distribute guidance to public schools concerning accommodations for students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons. b. The guidance required pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall include, but not be limited to, recommendations concerning: (1) flexibility for physical education classes, athletic participation, examinations.
From the committee substitute text, June 15, 2026:
An Act concerning religious and medical accommodations for public school students and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. 1. a. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop and distribute guidance to public schools concerning accommodations for students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons. b. The guidance required pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall include, but not be limited to, recommendations concerning: (1) flexibility for physical education classes, athletic participation, examinations, and other school activities; (2) differentiated instruction and alternative educational activities for students whose fasting may affect participation in certain physical activities; (3) strategies to support students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons without adversely affecting the students academic standing or access to instruction aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards; (4) communication with parents or guardians regarding requests for accommodations related to fasting; and (5) professional development resources and best practices for teachers, coaches, school nurses, counselors, and administrators concerning students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons. c. Nothing in this section shall be construed as providing a public school the authority to: (1) alter State graduation requirements for students who are fasting for religious or medical reasons, unless such alterations are otherwise provided in a students individualized education …