This bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create performance-based funding plans for public colleges and universities. It ties a growing percentage of state operating funds (starting at 5% in 2019 and reaching 25% by 2023) to specific student success metrics. County colleges must meet goals like student credit completion and associate's degree attainment, while four-year schools focus on graduation rates, STEM degrees, and reducing achievement gaps. The plans must be transparent, with annual public reporting of each institution's performance and funding allocation.
This bill increases funding and flexibility for New Jersey's Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides financial support to nonprofits at high risk of attacks (including terrorism, extremism, or violence). It raises the maximum annual grant for security personnel from $10,000 to $25,000 per application (with a $75,000 yearly cap per organization) and for security equipment from $50,000 to $100,000 per application. Organizations may now apply for multiple grants for separate locations and receive both personnel and equipment funding in the same year - previously prohibited. The bill also mandates a minimum annual budget request of $14 million (up from $2 million) and specifies funding allocation: 55% for personnel, 36% for equipment, and 4% for outreach.
This bill provides a $3.5 million supplemental appropriation to fund the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program for adult students in career and technical education. It directly affects eligible adult students enrolled in county vocational school programs (minimum four months) who are New Jersey residents, have household incomes between $0-$65,000, and have applied for all other available grants/scholarships. The funding covers remaining tuition and approved fees after other state, federal, or institutional aid is applied, acting as "last-dollar" support. Eligibility requires good academic standing, enrollment in programs leading to industry certifications or licenses, and meeting residency requirements.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote state-produced aquaculture products (farmed fish and shellfish raised in New Jersey waters) through the existing Jersey Fresh Program. It mandates the department to create a specific quality grading system for these products - distinct from wild-caught seafood - and allocate $25,000 annually from the General Fund to fund advertising and promotion. The program will apply only to aquaculture products meeting state quality standards, expanding Jersey Fresh's current focus on locally grown produce. This change directly affects New Jersey aquaculture producers seeking to market their products under the state's agricultural branding initiative.
This bill allocates $250,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) for pediatric clinical services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. The funds directly support diagnostic assessments, counseling, and therapy for children with Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders, particularly those from families with financial need. The clinic provides these services to children aged 5-14, aligning with CDC data showing 1 in 50 children in this age group experience persistent tic disorders.
This bill establishes the Office for Women’s Advancement within New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The office will directly support women in New Jersey workplaces by collecting data on issues like the gender pay gap, hiring practices, and work-family balance; collaborating with state agencies and groups like the Advisory Commission on the Status of Women; reviewing legislation for gender equity; and publishing reports and hosting events. It creates a dedicated "Women's Advancement Fund" to receive annual state appropriations and eligible federal or private funding for the office’s operations. The policy change creates a permanent state office focused on advancing gender equity in employment, career development, and workplace culture across New Jersey.
This bill establishes a three-year pilot program to expand career and technical education (CTE) programs for high school students in New Jersey, funded by a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund. It directs the Commissioner of Education to award grants to school districts for developing CTE programs, acquiring equipment/facilities, and providing instructor training. Five districts per region (south, central, north) will be selected to participate, with a requirement for geographic diversity (urban, suburban, rural). Participating districts must submit annual impact reports, and the Commissioner will report program results to the Governor and Legislature each year.
This bill creates a three-year "Male Teachers of Color Mentorship Pilot Program" to pair male students of color in teacher training programs with male teachers of color. It requires the Commissioner of Education to select 19 eligible students (in their final year of training) and 19 male teachers from participating schools, pairing them for mentorship through the student's final training year and first two teaching years. Mentors receive a $5,000 annual stipend, and schools must make a good-faith effort to hire students with favorable performance reviews. The program is funded by a $95,000 appropriation and requires a final report evaluating its effectiveness and recommending potential expansion.
This bill requires all New Jersey public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects to install at least one exterior key box at every school building by June 2027. The key box must meet safety standards (like UL 1037), contain all necessary keys for emergency access, and be placed at a location determined collaboratively with emergency responders. Schools may seek exemption if they implement equivalent alternative access plans approved by the Commissioner of Education, and the state will cover all installation costs through a $2.5 million appropriation, with reimbursement available for eligible expenses incurred after enactment.
This bill (A 2245) allocates $30 million from New Jersey’s General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for FY2026 food and hunger programs. It directly supports the state’s six regional food banks, which collect and distribute surplus edible food to food pantries and nonprofits serving low-income communities. The funding will help sustain meals for approximately 800,000 New Jersey residents who rely on SNAP benefits, especially following disruptions to federal food assistance. The money is specifically designated for "Food and Hunger Programs" under the Department of Agriculture’s budget, with no new taxes or programs created.
