On August 21, 2025, Governor Murphy signed the following bill into law:
School Counselor Certification S-1784/A-3424 (P.L.2025, c.133) establishes several requirements related to school counselor certification and employment. The law defines the role of a school counselor as someone who recognizes and responds to the need for mental health services that promote social and emotional wellness and development for all students, and is tasked with designing and delivering a comprehensive program for school counseling that promotes the achievement of students. The law will require:
- Each school counselor employed by a district to provide certain school counseling services, including, but not limited to, specific services enumerated in the legislation.
- School counselors to complete professional development in relevant areas, such as the promotion of mental health awareness and trauma-informed counseling.
- School counseling certification programs at institutions of higher education to incorporate the American School Counselor Association’s national model for comprehensive school counseling programs or a state approved model.
- The Commissioner of Education to appoint a state school counselor liaison to work with school districts to facilitate best practices and serve as a resource expert for school counselors.
The NJSBA supported the bill, which took effect upon enactment.
To view the full text of any of the bills summarized above, please visit the New Jersey Legislature’s website.
