The bill has been years in the making.

New Jersey may soon become the latest state in the U.S. to require its schools teach students at all grade levels about the danger of sexual abuse now that the long-debate proposal is finally headed to the governor’s desk.

The state Assembly on Thursday gave final legislative passage to “Erin’s Law,” a measure that would mandate all school districts incorporate age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention and awareness education into state Student Learning Standards in grades pre-K through 12.

Gov. Phil Murphy will now decide whether to sign the bill into law or veto it. If he signs it, New Jersey would become the 36th state to adopt such a law.

Thursday’s final passage marks the end of a years-long effort for both state Sen. Anthony R. Bucco and Erin Merryn — a sexual assault survivor who is the bill’s namesake — as well as numerous other advocates.

Bucco, R-Morris, said 93 percent of children know their attacker and need education to help prevent abuse.

“Teaching kids not to talk to strangers isn’t enough when their abuser could be hiding in plain sight,” Bucco said.

Some private schools in the Garden State already voluntarily provide “safe-touch” education. But under this bill (A769), it would be required across the state.

The legislation would call on the state Education Commissioner to work with the state Department of Children and Families, the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the New Jersey Children’s Alliance, and other groups to provide school districts with age-appropriate sample learning activities and resources.

If signed, the law would take effect the first school year after the law is enacted.

State Senate Republicans said one child reported her abuser because of a lesson she received at a New Jersey private school.

“What makes me feel good about this law getting passed is that other kids, like me, can speak up about what is happening to them by any unsafe adult, or anyone," said the child, whose identity is anonymous because they are a minor. “This will help kids going through abuse not be afraid to say something about it.”

Merryn, a national advocate who has pushed states across the country to adopt the law, said she hopes New Jersey will "soon be able to understand personal body safety, so they can use their voice if something horrible ever happens to them.”

Both houses of the Democratic-controlled Legislature passed the bill easily — 75-0 in the Assembly on Thursday and 39-0 by the Senate in March.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.