This bill creates a New Jersey scholarship program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers studying plasma physics or fusion energy science at state institutions. It authorizes $125,000 annually to award ten $12,500 scholarships, requiring recipients to secure matching funds from their institution and maintain academic standing. Applicants must provide proof of institutional commitment and a statement detailing their dedication to fusion science. The program aims to support education and career development in advancing fusion as a future energy source. The bill is pending in the Senate Higher Education Committee.
S 2030 establishes New Jersey's Elementary Home Reading Grant Program to improve reading proficiency among elementary students. The bill appropriates $500,000 from unspent federal pandemic funds to provide matching grants to school districts partnering with nonprofits. These programs must mail weekly reading books to students' homes, include multilingual parent engagement calls/texts, offer 6-9 books for students to keep, and track metrics like books read and parental involvement. The program targets underperforming students, prioritizes districts with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students, and requires annual reporting on outcomes to the Legislature.
S 812 requires New Jersey public colleges to award academic credit to undergraduate students who volunteer as emergency responders. To qualify, students must have served within five years of enrollment (or concurrently), provided proof of hours, volunteered with approved organizations (like fire companies or emergency management), and held required certifications. Credit is calculated based on volunteer hours and applied toward relevant coursework. The state’s Higher Education Secretary must develop credit guidelines for institutions, though the bill does not affect admission standards. This takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment.
S 1518 requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create a program replacing roofs and HVAC systems in school buildings that are 75+ years old, owned by school districts, and used for instruction. The bill appropriates $500 million into a dedicated state fund to cover all costs, including inspections, evaluations, and repairs, which must be performed by licensed contractors working for or contracted with the state. School districts may submit recent evaluations by licensed professionals instead of new state evaluations. Projects will be prioritized by the Commissioner of Education based on student safety needs and available funding.
This bill allows high school students aged 16-18 to earn graduation credits in health, safety, and physical education by completing a county fire academy course. To qualify, students must pass a junior firefighter exam and commit to two years of volunteer service at their local fire department. The policy amends New Jersey's education rules to accept fire academy completion as fulfillment of specific graduation requirements, directly affecting eligible students in participating school districts. It does not replace existing junior firefighter auxiliary programs.
S 1975 provides New Jersey school districts with additional transportation funding for the 2023-2024 school year, totaling $31.6 million. It allocates money based on student type: $40 per regular education student (including preschoolers in free full-day programs) and $275 per special education student requiring specialized transportation. This supplemental aid is added to existing state school aid, directly supporting districts with transportation costs. The bill specifies the calculation method and funding amount but does not change eligibility rules for transportation services.
This bill establishes new requirements for New Jersey charter schools, their governing boards, and charter management organizations (nonprofits operating multiple charters). It mandates that charter applications include detailed curriculum plans, staff qualifications, parental involvement strategies, and compliance with state academic standards. The bill also sets enrollment limits (max 500 students or 25% of a district's total), requires 51% support from staff and parents for existing public schools converting to charters, and defines charter management organizations under 501(c)(3) nonprofit rules. These provisions apply directly to all new and existing charter schools operating in New Jersey.
This bill (S 1258) proposes to provide additional state school funding to New Jersey public school districts that experience enrollment increases due to the conversion of age-restricted housing developments (like senior living communities) into non-restricted housing. It amends existing school funding law to include these specific enrollment changes as a factor in calculating state aid, ensuring districts serving new families receive extra support. The bill defines key terms like "enrollment increases" and "school districts" but does not detail the exact funding formula. It affects districts in New Jersey where housing conversions lead to higher student populations. The bill is currently in the early legislative stage, introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Senate Education Committee.
This bill allows New Jersey public school districts to hire state-certified security officers - either "safe schools resource officers" or "Class Three special law enforcement officers" - to provide security during school hours. The state will fund these positions for districts that choose to implement them, covering costs for new hires after the bill takes effect. School districts must also create written agreements with local law enforcement (or the State Police if no local department exists), detailing roles, training, firearm authority, and operational procedures. The policy directly affects all public school districts in New Jersey, requiring standardized security protocols for officer placement.
S 2243 requires every public college and university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity task force within six months of the law's effective date. The task force, appointed by each institution's president and including diverse campus stakeholders (students, faculty, housing, health centers, etc.), must develop a detailed plan for free menstrual product access within six months. The plan must cover product needs, distribution locations, costs, and a 12-month implementation timeline. Institutions must implement the approved plan within one year, ensuring equal access to menstrual products while reducing stigma. The bill defines "menstrual equity" as removing barriers to care and addressing stigma around menstruation.
