This bill exempts fuel used to operate school buses for transporting students to or from school or school activities from two New Jersey state taxes: the petroleum products gross receipts tax and the motor fuel tax. It directly affects school districts, religious or charitable organizations operating school buses, and contractors working with public agencies to provide school transportation. The law adds school buses to existing exemptions, allowing these entities to claim refunds for fuel taxes already paid on qualifying bus operations. This creates a concrete tax relief for school transportation costs without altering tax rates for other users.
This bill establishes a program allowing New Jersey volunteer emergency responders (firefighters, first aid squad members, or emergency management volunteers) who have in-state undergraduate student loans to receive up to $6,000 in loan redemption. Participants must complete 500+ annual volunteer hours (or meet firefighter response/certification standards), be state residents, and provide proof of active service. The redemption pays $2,000 per year during the second, third, and fourth years of service after graduation, with no payment in the first year. It applies only to loans used for undergraduate study at New Jersey institutions.
This bill amends New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act to clarify definitions and strengthen school responses to harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). It updates the definition to explicitly include gender identity/expression and add new protections, while creating a tiered system for student consequences (counseling for first incidents, intervention plans for repeat offenses). Schools must now follow stricter reporting procedures, including written reports within two days and allowing anonymous reports (though disciplinary action requires non-anonymous evidence). The bill also permits anti-bullying specialists to receive paid compensation for their work. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Education Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).
This bill (A-2957) upgrades the legal classification of certain assaults against school personnel from "simple assault" to "aggravated assault" when the attack occurs while they are clearly performing their duties (e.g., in uniform or identifiable as staff). It specifically targets incidents involving school board members, administrators, teachers, school bus drivers, or other school employees acting in their official roles. The change increases penalties for these assaults by elevating the charge under New Jersey's assault statute (N.J.S.2C:12-1). This directly affects school staff members who are assaulted during work hours in identifiable professional roles.
This bill establishes a 20-member Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to study chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools. The task force, appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, will analyze root causes - including mental health, school climate, pandemic impacts, and discipline policies - and research state best practices to develop recommendations. It must issue a final report to the Governor and Legislature within six months, focusing on strategies to improve school attendance and family engagement. The task force expires 30 days after submitting its report. This bill directly affects public school students and districts by addressing a growing issue: chronic absenteeism rose to 16.6% in 2022-2023, up from 10.6% pre-pandemic.
This bill establishes a New Jersey State Government and Civil Service Student Internship Program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. It targets undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law and doctoral programs) from accredited colleges, prioritizing New Jersey residents or students attending NJ institutions. Participants must complete 480 hours of work (240 hours per semester) with state agencies, working 20-40 hours weekly depending on class schedules, and receive a $2,500 stipend per 240 hours. Successful completers gain preference for entry-level civil service jobs within two years of graduation, with disabled veterans receiving highest priority. The program is funded by a $750,000 appropriation from the State General Fund.
This bill prohibits New Jersey public and private institutions of higher education from receiving state funding if they boycott or divest from Israel-supporting businesses or Israeli entities. Specifically, it blocks state operating aid, student scholarships, and certain bonds if an institution boycotts Israeli goods, boycotts companies doing business with Israel, divests due to a company's support for Israel, or supports the BDS movement. Exceptions apply for divestment due to "prudent economic reasons." The law directly affects all higher education institutions in New Jersey, including their endowment funds and departments. It takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to grant a 12-week payment pause on NJCLASS student loans for eligible borrowers who become parents. To qualify, borrowers must submit proof of a child's birth or adoption within 120 days, with the deferment starting once proof is received and ending 12 weeks later. During this period, no interest accrues on the loan, directly affecting new parent borrowers enrolled in the NJCLASS program. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to waive or refund application fees and transcript fees for veterans, active-duty military members, reservists, and New Jersey National Guard members who live in the state and are admitted. It directly affects these eligible military-affiliated individuals and public higher education institutions. The key provision mandates that institutions cover these specific costs instead of charging them during the application process. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.
S 3642 authorizes New Jersey school districts with existing automotive programs to partner with private companies to create electric vehicle (EV) certification programs. These programs would train students in EV-related careers like automotive technology, engineering, and maintenance, with districts issuing certifications to successful completers. School districts may use national industry standards and consult the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities when developing these programs. The bill directly affects eligible school districts and their students seeking EV career pathways, with no funding or mandates specified.
