This New Jersey bill creates a state tax credit for parents who pay for certain educational expenses for their dependent children. The credit allows taxpayers to receive 25% of qualifying educational expenditures, up to a maximum of $500 per child, which can be applied against their New Jersey gross income tax. Qualifying expenses include tuition at nonpublic schools, required school supplies, instructional materials, extracurricular activity fees, and transportation costs paid directly to the school, while explicitly excluding tutoring, standardized test fees, and everyday clothing. The measure applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, and is intended to provide financial relief to families utilizing private education options.
This New Jersey bill prohibits colleges and universities from paying commissions, bonuses, or tuition-sharing fees to online program management companies for recruiting students, with the sole exception of recruiting students from foreign countries. It requires institutions to submit all contracts with these third-party companies to the Secretary of Higher Education within 20 days of signing and mandates that governing boards review and approve such agreements before they take effect. The law also restricts what these contracts can include, banning provisions that allow companies to influence curriculum design, set admission standards, hire faculty, or use the institution's name and logos in ways that mislead students into thinking the company is part of the school.
This bill requires New Jersey high schools to teach cybersecurity to students in grades nine through twelve, with the state education commissioner creating curriculum guidelines that cover basic computer skills, internet safety, and career pathways. It also directs the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to develop model curricula for four-year universities and county colleges to help them design cybersecurity degree programs that meet accreditation standards. Additionally, the bill establishes loan redemption programs for individuals working in specific cybersecurity occupations, though the exact terms of these financial incentives are not detailed in the text provided. The legislation aims to build a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals by integrating education from high school through higher education.
This bill directs the New Jersey State Board of Education to review and update the state's Social Studies Student Learning Standards during the next scheduled revision to include instruction on recent historical events for students in grades K-12. The legislation specifically requires the board to consider adding standards related to the September 11, 2001 attacks and other historically significant events, while also allowing the board to determine additional events to include. The bill mandates that the board follow its existing public review and adoption process, which includes providing opportunities for public comment in person or in writing. Additionally, the law requires the board to evaluate new historical events for inclusion each time the standards are updated in the future.
This bill reinstates an annual sales tax holiday for specific school-related purchases in New Jersey. It exempts retail sales of computers under $3,000, school computer supplies under $1,000, school supplies, art supplies, instructional materials, and sport/recreation equipment when bought by individuals for non-business use. The tax exemption applies during a defined 10-day period each year: from 12:01 a.m. on the ninth day before the first Monday in September through 11:59 p.m. on that Monday. The bill takes immediate effect and applies to sales occurring at least 30 days after enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to allow students attending nonpublic (private) schools to try out for and participate in their district's high school sports teams, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as public school students. Nonpublic school students must provide proof of district residency and satisfy the district's standard requirements for sports participation, such as physical exams, academic standards, and fees. Districts may charge nonpublic students a fee up to the actual per-pupil cost of the sport (excluding those qualifying for financial hardship), but are not required to provide transportation or alter team schedules. The law does not change existing eligibility rules set by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
This New Jersey bill (A 3537) requires high school students to receive instruction on tuition assistance programs and student loan debt as part of their financial literacy graduation requirement, starting with the 2018-2019 ninth grade class. It mandates that students meet with a guidance counselor during 10th or 11th grade to discuss available grants, scholarships, loans, and dual enrollment options that can reduce college costs. The law specifies that instruction must cover student loan repayment requirements and consequences of default. These provisions directly affect all New Jersey high school students and school districts, aiming to improve informed decision-making about post-high school education financing.
This bill establishes the Statewide Skills Academy Network to improve coordination among New Jersey's county colleges, vocational schools, and union training providers. It appropriates $1 million to fund regional skills academies that develop short-term, high-demand training programs, with priority for evening and weekend classes. The network will identify workforce skills gaps, share best practices, and support the creation of accessible training sites for facilities, curriculum, equipment, and staffing. This directly affects community colleges, vocational institutions, and union training programs across the state, aiming to better align training with employer needs and improve job placement outcomes.
This bill allows New Jersey county colleges to apply for approval to offer four-year nursing degree programs. It requires colleges to submit detailed proposals covering program design, resources, costs, curriculum, and enrollment plans to the New Jersey Presidents’ Council. The council reviews proposals, provides feedback, and forwards recommendations to the Secretary of Higher Education for final approval within 60 days. Approval depends on the program receiving accreditation from the New Jersey Board of Nursing, aiming to expand nursing education capacity and address workforce shortages.
This bill requires New Jersey school psychologists and counselors to complete an 8-hour mental health first aid training course. The training, developed by the Department of Education with the Department of Human Services, must cover identifying mental health issues in students, recognizing risk factors, and using crisis intervention strategies. School staff must complete the training during their first year of employment and at least once every three years thereafter. The course content must include specific topics like depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders in children and adolescents.
