In March 2025, Governor Murphy enacted P.L.2025, c.38, requiring local educational agencies (LEAs) to adopt policies concerning student use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing at school and school-sponsored functions. This law takes effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
When adopting policies concerning the use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing LEAs should consider the following:
Statutory Requirements:
- The policy shall not require students to provide documentation from a health care provider in order to use sunscreen or sun-protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses, while outdoors.
- The policy shall not require school personnel to assist a student in applying sunscreen.
Considerations:
- Districts may need to identify provisions for the transportation and storage of sunscreen to ensure safety and accessibility.
- The LEA may choose to require written permission from a student’s parent or guardian to allow a student to carry or use sunscreen at school. This requirement may be aligned with a specific age or grade level.
- If parental permission is required, the LEA will need to establish a procedure for monitoring students with permission and without permission.
- Districts may include provisions that revoke a student’s access to sunscreen if district rules related to sunscreen are not followed by the student. If a school or district restricts or revokes a student’s access to sunscreen, a written notification should be provided to the parent or guardian justifying and detailing the duration of the consequence.
- As sunscreen can be packaged as an aerosol, spray, lotion or cream with fragrances, districts may consider narrowing the types of sunscreens allowable. This may be a heightened consideration for schools and districts with students who suffer from asthma or other respiratory ailments.
Contact Information
For any additional questions, write to healthysch@doe.nj.gov.
