Bill S 1504 creates a formal process for public colleges and universities in New Jersey to merge or consolidate with other public institutions or certain private colleges. It requires participating institutions' governing boards to adopt resolutions and submit joint applications to the Higher Education Secretary for preliminary approval, followed by a detailed merger plan review. The Secretary must assess the merger's necessity and benefits for students, faculty, staff, and communities before issuing final approval, which then requires legislative ratification within 90 days. The bill does not apply to Rutgers University but mandates this process for any merger involving Rutgers as a participant. This ensures structured oversight while preserving institutional rights and funding arrangements post-merger.
S 2050 establishes a $500 one-time grant program for New Jersey college students who complete unpaid short-term internships with state government entities. Administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, the grant covers textbook and course material costs for the student’s next semester. To qualify, students must have finished an unpaid state internship and be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at a New Jersey institution, with proof of continued enrollment. The bill aims to help offset the average annual textbook cost of over $1,200 for students, as noted by the College Board.
This bill, S 1364, provides New Jersey veterans with tuition-free education at their local county college for up to 60 credits. To qualify, veterans must be New Jersey residents who served honorably in the military and apply for all available state, federal, and VA benefits (including the Post-9/11 GI Bill) before receiving this tuition waiver. Military service credits earned at the college count toward the 60-credit limit. The benefit applies only to tuition, not other fees, and takes effect for the first full academic year after enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey public and private colleges and universities receiving state operating aid to implement specific measures regarding sexual harassment and violence. It mandates annual training for designated "responsible employees" (including faculty, campus police, administrators, health staff, and resident advisors) on how to respond to student reports, disclose confidentiality limits to victims, and report incidents to institutional authorities. The training covers reporting requirements for incidents occurring on campus, at institution-related off-campus events, or via electronic communication during school activities. Institutions must investigate all reported incidents and take appropriate action to resolve them.
This New Jersey bill allows the Secretary of Higher Education to appoint an antisemitism monitor at any public or private institution of higher education in the state. The monitor reviews campus policies on antisemitism, establishes anonymous reporting procedures for incidents, and issues quarterly reports with recommendations to improve safety for Jewish students and staff. Institutions must implement the monitor's recommendations, and failure to comply could result in reduced state funding or loss of student financial aid eligibility. The bill defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition.
This bill increases the tuition credit amount for volunteer firefighters and first responders in New Jersey. It raises the annual credit from $600 to $1,250 per year (up to a total of $5,000 over four years) for active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid/rescue squads, plus their spouses and dependent children. To qualify, individuals must agree to serve four years in such a volunteer organization and sign a service agreement with their municipality. The credit covers tuition at county colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes, though students still pay required fees like lab or registration costs.
This bill (S 501) allows New Jersey National Guard members who qualify for tuition-free education to transfer that benefit to their spouse or dependent child. It directly affects Guard members who complete required training and are in good standing, and their immediate family members pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. The key provision requires the spouse or child to be enrolled full-time at a New Jersey public college or university, have applied for all available state and federal financial aid, and receive the benefit for one person only. The transfer does not change the existing requirements for the Guard member to qualify for the original tuition benefit.
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.
S 1653 prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from withholding student transcripts due to debts under $2,000 for non-essential fees (like activity or parking charges), but allows withholding for unpaid tuition, room, or board. Institutions cannot refuse transcripts, charge extra fees, or use transcript issuance to collect small debts, though they may require repayment plans for larger debts. The law specifically protects students needing transcripts for new or refinanced student loans. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into an existing law (P.L.2025, c.353).
S 2647 provides $1.2 million in supplemental funding for New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant program. This grant helps low-income community college students cover tuition and fees not covered by other aid, targeting those with household incomes under $65,000 (with reduced awards for incomes up to $100,000). Eligible students must be enrolled in at least six credits, have no prior college degree, and complete financial aid applications. The funding supplements existing state appropriations and directly supports community college access for qualifying residents in fiscal year 2026.
