Education (Higher Education)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2574: Establishes "New Jersey Higher Education Funding Formula Commission."

This bill establishes the New Jersey Higher Education Funding Formula Commission (A 2574), a 11-member body tasked with reviewing how the state funds higher education. The commission will examine funding models used by other states, gather input from all New Jersey institutions (including medical, law, and graduate schools), and develop a new funding formula recommendation. It must submit a final report with its findings and legislative recommendations to the Governor and relevant legislative committees within six months of its first meeting. The commission will expire 30 days after submitting this report. This bill directly affects all public and private higher education institutions in New Jersey by initiating a formal review of their state funding structure.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes commission to review and develop new higher education funding formula, aiming to improve state funding mechanisms for institutions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Funding

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3411: Establishes Social Media Research Center at four-year public institution of higher education.

New Jersey's S 3411 establishes a Social Media Research Center at a public four-year university to study social media's impact on youth mental health. The center will research risks like excessive use linked to depression (e.g., double risk after 3+ hours daily), develop safe social media courses for public schools, and make recommendations to address mental health challenges. It will administer a competitive grant program for external research, modeled on NIH standards, and require state agencies to share relevant data upon request. The center must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its research, funding, and future plans. This bill directly affects New Jersey students, schools, and state agencies focused on youth health and safety.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDevelops school curriculum courses on social media safety and research to address youth mental health challenges, directly enhancing educational programs and student well-being.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes research center to study social media's impact on youth mental health, develop educational programs, and make recommendations - directly supports mental health services85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2071: Establishes New Jersey Public Interest Technology Network.

New Jersey's A 2071 establishes the Public Interest Technology Network, directed by the Secretary of Higher Education, to advance the field of public interest technology through collaboration among public university academics. The network must develop interdisciplinary curricula, create hands-on learning opportunities with public and private partners, support graduates entering this field, and create recognition pathways for faculty. Public interest technology is defined as examining technology's social, ethical, and policy impacts while using technology to support public interest organizations and communities. The bill takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates network to develop interdisciplinary curricula, support graduates, and establish faculty pathways in higher education technology programs, advancing educational initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3407: Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring students who have children to purchase meal plans, live in on-campus housing, or pay gym fees.

This bill (A 3407) prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from requiring student parents - those with full or partial custody of a child - to purchase meal plans, live in on-campus housing (except for specific residential programs or scholarship conditions), or pay fees for campus gym or fitness center access. Institutions cannot mandate these costs but may deny facility access if fees aren’t paid. The law applies to all students with custody of children and takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment. It directly affects student parents by removing financial and housing barriers tied to childcare responsibilities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves financial barriers for student parents, improving access to higher education by prohibiting mandatory fees and housing requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 24, 2026

A 4486: Requires public institution of higher education to provide academic credit for certain examinations.

This bill (A4486) requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to award academic credit to students who earn a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams or 50 or higher on College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) assessments. It applies specifically to students pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees who completed the relevant high school courses/exams before enrolling. Institutions must post their credit policies online, submit them to the Higher Education Secretary, and notify the Secretary 60 days before changing policies. The bill also allows limited exemptions for specific courses if institutions provide data showing different score requirements are needed for student success.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill A4486 expands educational access by mandating credit for AP/CLEP exams, reducing barriers for students pursuing degrees and aligning with support indicators for enhanced student programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Testing & Assessment

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1148: Requires four-year public institution of higher education to admit certain students diagnosed with cancer and sickle cell anemia.

This bill requires New Jersey's four-year public universities to admit students diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell anemia before age 24, provided they are New Jersey residents for at least one year. Institutions must prioritize these students for admission, financial aid, and on-campus housing, though they may deny admission for compelling reasons reviewed by the Higher Education Secretary. Universities must annually report enrollment data to the Secretary, who then shares totals with the Governor and Legislature. The law does not alter admission standards for specialized programs. It takes effect immediately for the next academic year following enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access for students with cancer/sickle cell anemia via mandatory admission and prioritization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2098: Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

This New Jersey bill (A 2098) prohibits institutions of higher education and certain proprietary schools from withholding student transcripts due to unpaid debts of $2,000 or less for non-mandatory charges (like campus fees, not tuition or room/board). It specifically bans institutions from refusing transcripts, charging extra fees, or conditioning transcript access on debt payment for qualifying students. Exceptions apply for unpaid tuition/room/board debts, debts exceeding $2,000, or students needing transcripts for new student loans. The bill also requires institutions to post transcript policies online and clarifies that transcript access does not forgive debt or affect diploma issuance. Note: This bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted as P.L.2025, c.353.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill removes financial barriers to transcript access for higher education students, enhancing educational mobility and access by prohibiting withholding for small non-tuition debts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1772: Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education for dependents of certain veterans.

This bill (A 1772) provides free undergraduate tuition and mandatory student fees at New Jersey public colleges for dependents of qualifying veterans. It directly affects children (ages 17-26), spouses, civil union partners, or domestic partners of veterans who were New Jersey residents when entering active duty and who were killed in action, declared POW/MIA, permanently and totally disabled (100% service-connected), or died from a service-connected disability. To qualify, dependents must be New Jersey residents, enrolled full-time in good standing at a public institution, and have applied for all available state and federal grants/scholarships. Benefits are capped at the credit hours needed for a bachelor’s degree (at four-year colleges) or associate degree (at community colleges), and spouse/partner benefits expire after 10 years or upon remarriage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides free tuition at public colleges for veterans' dependents, expanding access to higher education funding and support.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides free tuition for dependents of qualifying veterans, expanding educational benefits through direct funding for veterans' families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Military Families Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 869: Directs DOE to conduct study concerning student caregivers.

This New Jersey bill requires the Department of Education to study student caregivers in high schools. The study will examine challenges faced by students caring for family members at home, absenteeism rates among these students, and how caregiving impacts graduation rates and college enrollment. Within one year, the Education Commissioner must submit a report with findings and any recommendations for potential support programs. The bill directly affects high school students in public and nonpublic schools who serve as primary caregivers.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirects DOE study on student caregivers to identify challenges and recommend support programs, aiming to improve graduation and college enrollment rates.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1100: Establishes New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program.

This bill establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program, providing up to $4,000 in tuition, book, and fee assistance to eligible high school graduates attending county colleges. To qualify, students must earn a School Counts certificate by maintaining 95% attendance, achieving a C average or higher, completing Algebra I, and meeting graduation requirements during high school. The scholarship covers costs after other financial aid is applied, requires full-time enrollment (24+ credits annually), and must be used within six months of high school graduation. County colleges can receive state matching funds if they raise private donations to support student scholarships.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides $4,000 tuition assistance for county college students meeting attendance/academic criteria, expanding higher education access and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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