Education (Higher Education) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 11, 2026

A 5249: Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

This New Jersey bill expands the Volunteer Tuition Credit Program to include active members of volunteer fire companies and rescue squads, as well as their spouses and dependent children, allowing them to attend four-year public colleges and universities. Under the new provisions, eligible volunteers must commit to four years of service and maintain a "C" grade average to receive up to $1,000 in tuition credit per year, with a total maximum benefit of $4,000 over the service period. The legislation also clarifies that while tuition is covered, institutions may still charge registration and laboratory fees, and it requires volunteers to submit transcripts annually to verify their academic progress and service.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5307: Applies provisions of "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act" to certain incidents of gang bullying.

This bill expands New Jersey's existing Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act to specifically cover incidents of gang bullying within public schools. It defines gang bullying as coordinated or repeated harmful behavior by two or more students that does not require a connection to the victim's protected characteristics like race or gender. Under this legislation, the full protections of the state's anti-bullying law would apply to these incidents occurring on school property, at school events, on school buses, or off-campus when a school employee becomes aware of them.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 28, 2026

S 4535: Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to part-time undergraduates; establishes New Jersey Student Affordability, Completion, and Equity Pilot Program.

This bill expands New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant program to include part-time undergraduate students and creates a new pilot program focused on student affordability and equity. The key change allows part-time students to receive financial aid, with the amount of their grant calculated as a prorated portion of the standard full-time award. Eligibility for these grants remains tied to residency, demonstrated financial need, and satisfactory academic progress, while the total duration of aid is adjusted to reflect part-time enrollment status.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 26, 2026

S 4520: Establishes Jersey Protein Pro pilot program; appropriates $3 million.

This bill creates a three-year pilot program called Jersey Protein Pro to train New Jersey residents for jobs in the meat processing industry, aiming to solve local labor shortages that currently force farmers to ship livestock out of state. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development will administer the program by awarding grants to county colleges and vocational schools to offer short-term courses in meat cutting, food safety, sanitation, and plant maintenance. Participating schools can use the $3 million appropriation to develop curricula and provide tuition assistance to students who agree to stay employed in the state for at least two years after finishing their training. The bill also requires regular reporting on how the funds are used and includes a final evaluation to determine if the program should be made permanent.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education Student Financial Aid Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5049: Requires county college to notify graduating high school students of acceptance into local county college.

This bill requires New Jersey county colleges to automatically notify graduating high school students in their county of acceptance into the college. The notification, sent by December 1, must include instructions on how to enroll, register for classes, and apply for financial aid without requiring a separate application or fee. While the offer guarantees admission to the college, it does not ensure placement in a specific major or specialized program. The legislation also mandates that the New Jersey Council of County Colleges submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on the program's implementation and impact.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5097: Establishes New Jersey Partnerships for Results and Opportunity through Multisector Integration, Services, and Education Program in EDA to award grants to eligible entities to provide certain social services; appropriates $30 million.

This bill creates a new grant program called the New Jersey Partnerships for Results and Opportunity to support families in the state's most distressed neighborhoods. It directs the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to award up to $30 million to eligible nonprofit organizations, universities, and tribal groups that can coordinate education, health, housing, and social services. The program aims to break down barriers between different agencies by funding a unified set of supports for children from birth through college and career. Eligible recipients must demonstrate how their integrated approach improves family stability and prepares youth for future success.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Higher Education Property Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4150: Allows students to use certain grant awards during summer session.

This bill allows students in New Jersey to use a portion of their tuition aid grants or opportunity grants to pay for summer courses that help them meet graduation requirements or earn major credits. To use these funds, students must notify their financial aid authorities before the academic year begins, which reduces the amount of grant money they receive during the regular semester. The legislation also requires annual reporting on how many students use these grants for summer classes and their subsequent graduation rates within normal timeframes. Finally, the bill clarifies that using grant funds for summer sessions does not count toward the total number of years a student is eligible to receive financial aid.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4888: Establishes provisions for use of applicant and student criminal history at institution of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institution.

This New Jersey bill restricts colleges and private degree-granting schools from asking about criminal history on standard admission applications, except for specific serious offenses like homicide, sexual assault, and child exploitation. While applicants cannot be asked about most crimes upfront, schools are allowed to check criminal records after accepting a student and can deny admission only for the listed serious offenses. The law also requires schools to consider factors like the time passed since the crime and evidence of rehabilitation when making decisions, and it explicitly excludes expunged records from consideration.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Violent Crime Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 5018: Establishes "Academic Freedom in Higher Education Protection Act."

This bill, known as the Academic Freedom in Higher Education Protection Act, aims to protect the independence of colleges and universities in New Jersey from interference by state government officials. It explicitly grants governing boards and faculty the authority to make key decisions regarding curriculum, hiring, admissions, and research without direction from the Executive Branch or other state agencies. The legislation also establishes a legal process allowing individuals to file complaints in Superior Court if they believe these academic freedoms are being violated, with provisions for preliminary injunctions and attorney's fees. By codifying these protections, the bill seeks to ensure that higher education institutions can operate autonomously in their educational and scholarly missions.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4127: Establishes New Jersey Student Emergency Aid Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

This bill creates the New Jersey Student Emergency Aid Program to provide one-time financial grants to undergraduate students at public colleges and universities facing unexpected crises. The program covers essential living expenses such as food, housing, and childcare, but explicitly excludes payment for tuition, fees, or student loans. A new revolving fund will be established to manage these grants, initially seeded with $1.5 million from the state's general fund. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will set specific rules for eligibility and distribution, while colleges must report annually on how the aid is used and its impact on student retention.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics State Budget Early Childhood Higher Education

All education bills