There's an effort at the state House to give high schoolers a later start time as they get ready to go back to school.

The proposed bill could affect thousands of students across New Jersey.

If the bill is passed, it would require public and charter high schools that receive state aid implement a later start time.

There are a handful of districts implementing a later start time, including Princeton High School

One student says she feels more alert and attentive because of the extra time she is able to sleep.

She wakes up at 7:45 a.m. ahead of the 8:20 a.m. start time.

The director of school counseling services says the later start time was all due in thanks to the collaboration of community partners.

Some students who participate in after school sports leave class early. With the staggered start, more students will use afterschool care options.

The director of school counseling services says the first year in which a later start was implemented was in 2018. She says there was a noted difference, with a 37% increase in students' attendance records.

She applauds the district for helping students get the required eight hours of sleep.

The New Jersey State Legislature is due back in session in mid-September.