Education in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1457: Allows students to use portion of opportunity grant awards under Educational Opportunity Fund program during summer session.

This bill allows New Jersey students receiving Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grants to use part of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their major. Students must notify the state higher education office before the academic year begins, which will reduce their regular academic year grant disbursement by a specific amount. The state must annually report how many students use this summer option and their graduation rates within standard timeframes. The change implements a 2016 College Affordability Study Commission recommendation and does not count summer use toward the grant's eligibility period.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1639: Establishes project-based learning pilot program in DOE.

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools for project-based learning (PBL) in grades 9-12. It allows school districts with students in those grades to apply to participate by submitting course plans, student estimates, and other required details. The Education Commissioner will select up to six districts - two per geographic region with diverse urban, suburban, and rural representation - to implement PBL courses. After the pilot, the Commissioner must report to the Governor and Legislature on the program's implementation and whether it should continue or expand.

Topics ✓ Education

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2797: Requires instruction on cursive handwriting in public school curriculum.

S 2797 would have required New Jersey public school districts to teach cursive handwriting to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with a goal of achieving legible cursive writing proficiency by the end of third grade. The bill mandated incorporating specific activities and materials into the curriculum to develop students' ability to read and write cursive, citing research linking cursive instruction to improved cognitive, motor, and literacy skills - particularly for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia. This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was already enacted through P.L.2025, c.284.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1742: Establishes grant program for school districts to establish substance abuse prevention programs for eighth grade students.

This bill establishes a New Jersey state grant program to fund substance abuse prevention programs for eighth-grade students in public school districts. It requires school districts to apply for grants and certify they have funding (from district budgets, private donations, or federal sources) to support two key components: (1) staff/parent workshops on recognizing substance abuse risks, and (2) a four-part student education program featuring personal stories from rehab residents, affected families, correctional facility inmates, and positive role models. Students may opt out if parents provide a signed statement citing religious or moral objections. The program is modeled after an existing successful initiative at Copeland Middle School in Rockaway Township.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 815: Establishes "College Child Care Advisory Commission" to examine issues and develop recommendations on providing programs and services for college students who require child care services.

This bill establishes the "College Child Care Advisory Commission" to study and recommend solutions for New Jersey college students who need child care services. The commission, composed of 15 members including state education officials, legislative appointees, child care providers, and a student parent, will collect data on student child care needs and review existing campus programs and subsidies. It will also explore partnerships between colleges and child care providers, and examine successful models from other states. The commission must issue a final report with recommendations to the Governor and legislature within one year of forming.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 3213: Establishes Skills Service Corp; appropriates funds.

S 3213 establishes the New Jersey Skills Service Corps, a paid volunteer program for state residents aged 18+ who serve with state entities (like agencies or universities) for 1-2 years. Participants receive a monthly stipend for volunteering at least 15 hours per month, plus free training and industry-valued credentials (such as apprenticeship hours) in fields like healthcare, renewable energy, and infrastructure. The program prioritizes underserved communities - defined as areas where 75%+ of students qualify for free/reduced school meals - and requires state entities to certify volunteer hours. It is funded through a dedicated state appropriation and administered by the Department of State’s Office of Volunteerism.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Appropriations Student Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2219: Requires campus diversity actions at public institutions of higher education and directs Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights to develop guidance regarding diversity in faculty search and selection process.

This bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to create and update detailed diversity plans focused on recruiting and retaining diverse faculty, staff, and students. Each institution must establish specific goals aligned with local or state demographics, track progress through metrics, and report annually on student diversity outcomes - including enrollment, retention, and graduation rates broken down by race, ethnicity, and gender. The bill also mandates annual diversity training for faculty search committees to address unconscious bias and directs the Secretary of Higher Education to develop guidance on inclusive hiring practices. Public institutions must appoint diversity ambassadors to oversee implementation and submit reports to the Secretary, who will compile data for the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1147: Requires State to reimburse licensing costs for certain school bus drivers.

S 1147 requires the New Jersey Department of Education to reimburse school bus drivers in eligible public school districts for the cost of obtaining a commercial driver license (CDL) and required endorsements. This applies only to drivers working for districts that own and operate their own school buses (not using contractors), provided they maintain their CDL, complete required training, and commit to five years of employment. If a driver leaves before five years, they must repay the reimbursement prorated: 100% if employed less than three years, or 50% if employed four years. The bill aims to reduce upfront costs for drivers while ensuring long-term service from districts that manage their own transportation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Transportation Driver Licensing Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1666: Establishes various programs to support neurodiverse students at county colleges; appropriates $1.475 million.

This bill establishes programs to support neurodiverse students at New Jersey county colleges, appropriating $1.475 million. It creates a two-year pilot program to hire accessibility coordinators at three county colleges (one per region), who will provide academic advising, resource navigation, and career connections. The bill also requires professional development for faculty/staff on supporting neurodiverse students and funds grants for STEM facility modifications like sensory-friendly spaces and assistive technology. These programs are pending approval and will be evaluated after completion, directly affecting neurodiverse students enrolled in county colleges statewide.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1455: Prohibits misrepresentation of federal tuition benefits to service members and veterans and establishes public awareness campaign on certain higher education benefits available to service members and veterans.

New Jersey's S 1455 prohibits colleges, career schools, and third-party recruiters from misleading service members or veterans about tuition costs, federal education benefits (like the Post-9/11 GI Bill), or financial aid terms. It requires the state to create a public awareness campaign explaining how veterans can verify GI Bill eligibility, confirm benefit applicability at institutions, and access additional financial aid. The law directly affects educational institutions and recruiters who serve military-connected students. It focuses on ensuring accurate information about existing federal benefits rather than creating new programs. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

All education bills