Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

This bill (A1140) expands New Jersey's Military Dependents Scholarship program to include students pursuing approved vocational or technical training, in addition to traditional college programs. It also extends eligibility to dependents of military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel (Afghanistan, 2015-2021) and Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq/Syria, 2014-present), updating the qualifying military operations list. The bill increases the eligibility period for spouses or dependents from 15 to 21 years after the service member's death, "Missing in Action" status, or disability certification. This change applies to the existing scholarship program established under P.L.2015, c.117, which provides financial aid for dependents of New Jersey residents who lost their lives or were permanently disabled during specified military operations.