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
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Feb 9, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Teresa Ruiz
DDemocratic
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