S 916 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Wine and Grape Education Grant Program; appropriates $1.5 million.

This bill establishes a $1.5 million grant program to support wine and grape education at New Jersey's four-year public colleges. It directs the Secretary of Higher Education to award up to $500,000 each to three institutions (one in each of the state's regions) to create or expand degree or certificate programs in wine science, grape growing, winemaking, and industry business operations. The program allows students under 21 to enroll in these academic programs, but prohibits participation in alcohol-related coursework or events requiring a 21+ age limit. Institutions must submit detailed applications outlining program plans, student support, and industry partnerships, and the Secretary must report on the program's implementation and outcomes to the Governor and Legislature before its conclusion.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Andrew Zwicker
Andrew Zwicker
DDemocratic
NJ
16