S 3428 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Permits use of preferred names on student diplomas.

This bill allows students at New Jersey public and nonpublic schools, colleges, and licensed institutions to request that their preferred name appear on diplomas instead of their legal name, without requiring legal documentation for a name or gender change. Schools may deny requests only if the preferred name misrepresents identity, avoids legal obligations, harms the institution, or is inappropriate. For former students needing updated records after a legal name change, schools must reissue documents like diplomas or transcripts upon receipt of acceptable proof (e.g., driver's license, court order), charging only a nominal fee. The bill applies to all institutions offering academic degrees and takes effect shortly after enactment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 9, 2026 Last action Feb 9, 2026
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Feb 9, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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