N.J. school kids couldn’t use common summer ‘drug.’ This new plan fixes that.

It’s an item that pops up all over every summer like clockwork — on grocery store shelves and kitchen counters and in pool bags and backpacks — but kids can’t use it in schools.

Since sunscreen is classified as an over-the-counter drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, New Jersey students can’t access it in school without a doctor’s note, officials say.

But that would change under legislation sitting on Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.

The measure, S1548, would require school districts to adopt a policy addressing the use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing while students are outdoors at school or school-sponsored events.

The policy would not require students to provide a doctor’s note to use sunscreen — which is considered a non-prescription medicine — or wear sun-protective clothing while outdoors at school, according to the bill.

“Children need yearlong sun protection during the entire day, including recess, sports and outside activities,” said state Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, R-Union, a retired nurse and primary sponsor of the bill. “Sunscreen, along with protective clothing and shade, are the most effective ways to protect children from the risk of getting skin cancer.”

The bill unanimously passed both houses of the state Legislature.

It now awaits the governor’s signature or veto, where, if signed into law, would make New Jersey the 29th state to pass legislation allowing students direct access to sunscreen in schools.

The legislation is based on the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association’s SUNucate initiative, which advocates for sunscreen policy reform in schools.

“Participating in sports or camps, and playing at recess, do not need to come at the expense of a child’s long-term health,” Munoz said.

“Previous sun burning, particularly at younger ages, is a strong predictor of future skin cancer and especially melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” she said.

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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.