New Jersey Now Requires Every School to Adopt a Sunscreen Policy
Signed March 31, 2025, New Jersey's new law lets students keep and reapply FDA-approved sunscreen at school with written parental permission — no doctor's note needed.
On March 31, 2025, Gov. Phil Murphy signed S-1548/A-1028 (P.L.2025, c.37) requiring New Jersey school districts to adopt policies allowing students to use FDA-approved sunscreen and sun-protective clothing at school and school-sponsored functions with written parental permission; previously many districts treated sunscreen as an OTC medication and restricted it.
The New Jersey Department of Education's guidance explains that the law is meant to remove barriers to sun protection in schools, reflecting public-health concern that treating sunscreen as a restricted medication left students unprotected during outdoor school activities.
Questions we get a lot
What does New Jersey's new school sunscreen law require?
Signed on March 31, 2025 as S-1548/A-1028 (P.L.2025, c.37), the law requires New Jersey school districts to adopt policies allowing students to use FDA-approved sunscreen and sun-protective clothing at school and school-sponsored functions. Students may do so with written parental permission. It standardizes sun protection access across districts.
Why did students previously need permission to use sunscreen at school?
Many New Jersey districts had treated sunscreen as an over-the-counter medication, which subjected it to restrictions and sometimes required medical paperwork. The new law clears that hurdle by directing districts to adopt permissive policies. The Department of Education's guidance frames it as removing barriers to everyday sun protection.
What do parents need to do under the new law?
Under the law, students can use FDA-approved sunscreen and sun-protective clothing at school with written parental permission, so parents should provide that permission in writing per their district's policy. Because each district adopts its own implementing policy, check with your child's school for the specific form or process. The Department of Education has issued guidance to help districts put this into practice.
r/NewJersey: 'Just heard kids can finally bring sunscreen to school here without a doctor's note. Is that actually the new law, and what do I need to send in writing?'