Directs Secretary of Higher Education to appoint special auditor to investigate claims of abuse of public funds at public institutions of higher education.

S 1691 directs New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to appoint a special auditor (a state-certified public accountant) to investigate complaints about misuse of public funds at public colleges and universities. Anyone can file a formal complaint, triggering a 90-day investigation where the auditor must determine if "probable cause" exists for abuse. If abuse is confirmed, the involved entity must repay misused funds plus a penalty equal to 125% of the investigation cost, with fines funding future audits. The bill also prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers who report fund misuse or cooperate with investigations.