This bill establishes a grant program within the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) aimed at enabling school districts to implement animal therapy programs in their wellness centers or student counseling offices. The Commissioner of Education is tasked with creating this program, which requires participating school districts to submit an application detailing their plans for using therapy animals to enhance student wellness, along with proof of a policy ensuring the health and safety of students, staff, and the therapy animals. The commissioner will select two school districts from each of the state's three regions—southern, central, and northern—ensuring a diverse representation from urban, suburban, and rural areas. The amount of funding for each grant will depend on the availability of funds.

Additionally, the bill allows teachers to use their own therapy animals in the program, provided they receive approval from the principal, and grants can be used to cover training fees for both the teacher and the therapy animal. The commissioner will also provide guidance on best practices for using therapy animals in schools, including training requirements and health evaluations. Participating school districts are required to submit annual reports on their experiences and the impact of the program, which will inform the commissioner's annual report to the Governor and the Legislature regarding the program's implementation and effectiveness.