A 858 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring vaccinations against COVID-19 and monkeypox for students who attend remotely.

This bill prohibits New Jersey public colleges and universities from requiring students to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or monkeypox if they never attend classes in person. It directly affects remote students at these institutions, ensuring vaccination cannot be a condition for admission or enrollment. The law takes immediate effect, removing vaccine mandates specifically for students with no physical presence on campus. Public higher education institutions must adjust their policies to comply with this requirement. The bill does not impact in-person students or other vaccination requirements.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Gerry Scharfenberger
Gerry Scharfenberger
RRepublican
NJ
13