S 2199 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Eliminates US citizenship requirement for student representatives on boards of trustees of certain public institutions of higher education.

This bill (S 2199) removes a requirement that student representatives on boards of trustees at New Jersey public colleges and universities must be U.S. citizens. It directly affects eligible students seeking board representation at institutions covered by the law, including state colleges and universities like Thomas A. Edison State University. The key change eliminates the phrase "and citizens of the United States" from existing eligibility rules, while keeping other requirements intact (full-time enrollment, 18+ years old, good academic standing). Student representatives will still serve two-year terms with a first-year alternate role, and retain full participation rights except on specific matters like personnel decisions or confidential litigation. The bill aims to broaden eligibility for student board members without altering other structural provisions.
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 in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Teresa Ruiz
Teresa Ruiz
DDemocratic
NJ
29