TRENTON, NJ — A new legislative proposal introduced on Monday seeks to lower the age for compulsory school attendance in New Jersey from six to five years old. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson of District 15, which includes Hunterdon and Mercer counties, and Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly of District 35, spanning Bergen and Passaic counties, the bill aims to amend existing education statutes to reflect this change.
The bill, formally known as Assembly No. 4442, outlines amendments to several sections of the New Jersey Statutes, specifically targeting the requirements for school attendance. Key changes include the obligation for parents or guardians to ensure children between five and 16 years regularly attend school, with legal consequences outlined for non-compliance.
Further adjustments address the procedures for handling truancy, emphasizing early intervention in the schooling process. The bill also redefines penalties for guardians failing to meet attendance mandates, setting fines of up to $25 for a first offense and escalating to $100 for subsequent offenses.
The proposed legislation also includes a stipulation that it will take effect immediately but will apply from the second full school year after its enactment. This timeline provides school districts time to adjust to the new age requirement, ensuring infrastructure and resources are adequately prepared to accommodate younger students.
The introduction of this bill reflects ongoing efforts by New Jersey legislators to enhance educational outcomes by engaging children in formal education at an earlier age, aligning with broader national trends toward early childhood education.