Education (Student Financial Aid) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2347: Requires certain employers to provide certain employees with notifications concerning federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

This New Jersey bill (A-2347) requires employers designated as qualifying under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to inform new employees about the PSLF program during initial benefits explanations. It mandates employers to explain both potential eligibility and specific requirements, including working at least 30 hours per week for a qualifying employer, having Direct Loans or consolidated federal student loans, repaying under an income-driven plan, and making 120 qualifying payments. The law directly affects eligible employers in New Jersey and their new hires with federal student loans. It aims to clarify access to a federal loan forgiveness program through mandatory employer communication at hiring. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 450: Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

This bill requires New Jersey public colleges to provide a replacement scholarship to student-athletes who lose their athletic scholarship due to an injury or illness directly related to intercollegiate athletics. If the injury makes a student-athlete medically ineligible to compete (as determined by the institution's medical staff), the school must offer a scholarship equal in value for the remainder of their undergraduate degree program or up to five years total - whichever is shorter. It specifically applies to student-athletes enrolled at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The law defines "incapacitating injury or illness" as one directly tied to athletic participation that causes medical ineligibility for competition.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1135: Requires institutions of higher education and government employers to provide certain students and employees with information about Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

New Jersey's S 1135 requires colleges and government employers to inform specific people about the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Public and private colleges must provide this information to students with outstanding federal student loans during their final academic semester and when applying for graduation. Government employers must share the same information with employees at hiring and annually thereafter. The details include eligibility requirements (like 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer) and the program's website, but do not change loan terms or forgiveness eligibility.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1915: "Securing Access to Funding for Educating Drivers (SAFE) Act"; establishes NJ Behind-The-Wheel Driver Education Scholarship Program; appropriates $1 million.

The SAFE Act (S 1915) creates a New Jersey scholarship program to help low-income teens aged 16-17 cover the cost of a required six-hour behind-the-wheel driver education course. It appropriates $1 million from the state General Fund to provide scholarships covering the full course cost or $500 (whichever is less) for eligible residents from households at or below twice the federal poverty level. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, pass a written driving exam, and meet income requirements. The program, administered by the Motor Vehicle Commission, will award scholarships on a rolling basis as funds allow, with annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics State Budget Student Financial Aid Driver Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 835: Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.

This New Jersey bill allows the Secretary of Higher Education to appoint an antisemitism monitor at any public or private institution of higher education in the state. The monitor reviews campus policies on antisemitism, establishes anonymous reporting procedures for incidents, and issues quarterly reports with recommendations to improve safety for Jewish students and staff. Institutions must implement the monitor's recommendations, and failure to comply could result in reduced state funding or loss of student financial aid eligibility. The bill defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 501: Permits member of New Jersey National Guard to transfer certain tuition benefit to spouse or dependent child.

This bill (S 501) allows New Jersey National Guard members who qualify for tuition-free education to transfer that benefit to their spouse or dependent child. It directly affects Guard members who complete required training and are in good standing, and their immediate family members pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. The key provision requires the spouse or child to be enrolled full-time at a New Jersey public college or university, have applied for all available state and federal financial aid, and receive the benefit for one person only. The transfer does not change the existing requirements for the Guard member to qualify for the original tuition benefit.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2647: Makes supplemental appropriation of $1.2 million for Community College Opportunity Grant.

S 2647 provides $1.2 million in supplemental funding for New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant program. This grant helps low-income community college students cover tuition and fees not covered by other aid, targeting those with household incomes under $65,000 (with reduced awards for incomes up to $100,000). Eligible students must be enrolled in at least six credits, have no prior college degree, and complete financial aid applications. The funding supplements existing state appropriations and directly supports community college access for qualifying residents in fiscal year 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education Student Financial Aid

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3245: Revises high school student financial aid application requirements.

This bill makes permanent a requirement that New Jersey high school students (and their parents or guardians) complete a financial aid application as a prerequisite for earning a high school diploma. Currently, this requirement was temporary, applying only to the 2023-2024 grade 11 class and the following school year, but the bill removes the expiration date. Students may be exempt through a waiver signed by a parent/guardian (or by the student if 18+), or with a school counselor’s authorization if a parent signature cannot be obtained. The bill also mandates that the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority provide resources like webinars and guides to schools, students, and families to help complete the application, and requires schools to annually notify students and parents about the requirement.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2048: Establishes loan redemption program and gross income tax credit for mental health professionals who serve children and adolescents.

This bill creates a program to help mental health professionals working with children and adolescents in New Jersey reduce student loan debt. It provides two direct financial incentives: (1) up to $1,000 per year in loan redemption payments (capped at four years total) for licensed professionals employed full-time in this field, and (2) a $1,000 tax credit against state income tax for qualifying professionals. To qualify, participants must be New Jersey residents, hold relevant licenses, maintain full-time employment serving minors, and have outstanding eligible student loans. The program is administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and requires annual proof of residency and employment. The bill is pending before the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Student Financial Aid Mental Health

All education bills