Education (Higher 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 ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates commission to study and improve child care access for college students, directly expanding educational access for a key barrier in higher education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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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 ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates diversity plans for faculty/student recruitment at public colleges with specific goals and annual reporting on diversity outcomes, advancing educational access and equity in higher education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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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 ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill ensures veterans access to existing federal education benefits by preventing misleading practices and creating awareness campaigns, expanding educational access for service members.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits misrepresentation of GI Bill benefits, ensures veterans access entitled education benefits through transparency requirements and public awareness campaign.95% confidence

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

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1134: Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

This bill provides free tuition at New Jersey public colleges and universities for dependent children and surviving spouses of New Jersey residents who were killed while serving in the U.S. military. It covers the portion of tuition not already covered by other scholarships or aid, applying to institutions like Rutgers, NJIT, and county colleges. Eligibility lasts eight years after high school graduation for children or eight years from the service member's death for surviving spouses. The program begins for the 2022-2023 academic year and is funded through state appropriations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides free tuition access for military dependents at public colleges, expanding higher education access and reducing financial barriers for eligible students.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides free tuition for families of fallen service members, expanding educational benefits for veterans' dependents and surviving spouses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Veteran Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1504: Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

Bill S 1504 creates a formal process for public colleges and universities in New Jersey to merge or consolidate with other public institutions or certain private colleges. It requires participating institutions' governing boards to adopt resolutions and submit joint applications to the Higher Education Secretary for preliminary approval, followed by a detailed merger plan review. The Secretary must assess the merger's necessity and benefits for students, faculty, staff, and communities before issuing final approval, which then requires legislative ratification within 90 days. The bill does not apply to Rutgers University but mandates this process for any merger involving Rutgers as a participant. This ensures structured oversight while preserving institutional rights and funding arrangements post-merger.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates structured process for higher education mergers with mandatory benefits assessment for students/staff, aiming to strengthen institutional effectiveness through consolidation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2050: Establishes Textbook Grant Program for State Interns.

S 2050 establishes a $500 one-time grant program for New Jersey college students who complete unpaid short-term internships with state government entities. Administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, the grant covers textbook and course material costs for the student’s next semester. To qualify, students must have finished an unpaid state internship and be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at a New Jersey institution, with proof of continued enrollment. The bill aims to help offset the average annual textbook cost of over $1,200 for students, as noted by the College Board.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $500 one-time state funds for textbook grants to interns, creating new budgetary spending for education support.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides $500 textbook grant for higher education students completing state internships, directly funding educational materials at NJ institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1031: Directs State Treasurer to debit from State operating aid allocated to public research university amount equal to costs incurred by institution in implementing agreements reached with certain student protestors.

This bill requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to deduct from public research universities' state operating funds the costs incurred by institutions in implementing agreements made with student protestors related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. It specifically targets expenses like accepting displaced Gazan students, creating an Arab Cultural Center, partnering with Birzeit University, hiring staff focused on Middle East/Palestine studies, establishing a Palestinian studies center, displaying certain flags, and providing amnesty for participants in anti-Semitic protests. The legislation directly affects public research universities (as defined in state law) that reached such agreements with protestors. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill deducts from university operating funds to cover costs of specific student agreements (e.g., cultural centers, Palestine studies), defunding these educational initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1364: Provides veterans with up to 60 credits tuition-free at county college serving county of residence.

This bill, S 1364, provides New Jersey veterans with tuition-free education at their local county college for up to 60 credits. To qualify, veterans must be New Jersey residents who served honorably in the military and apply for all available state, federal, and VA benefits (including the Post-9/11 GI Bill) before receiving this tuition waiver. Military service credits earned at the college count toward the 60-credit limit. The benefit applies only to tuition, not other fees, and takes effect for the first full academic year after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition-free higher education access for veterans, expanding educational opportunity without restricting funding or curriculum.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides tuition-free education benefits to veterans, expanding access to higher education through direct funding of tuition (not fees) for qualifying residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3065: Requires reporting and investigation of alleged incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence at institutions of higher education and requires institutions to provide employee training on such reports.

This bill requires New Jersey public and private colleges and universities receiving state operating aid to implement specific measures regarding sexual harassment and violence. It mandates annual training for designated "responsible employees" (including faculty, campus police, administrators, health staff, and resident advisors) on how to respond to student reports, disclose confidentiality limits to victims, and report incidents to institutional authorities. The training covers reporting requirements for incidents occurring on campus, at institution-related off-campus events, or via electronic communication during school activities. Institutions must investigate all reported incidents and take appropriate action to resolve them.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates training for campus staff on handling sexual harassment reports at higher education institutions, enhancing student safety and institutional accountability within education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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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 ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates institutions to address antisemitism via monitors and implement safety recommendations, enhancing protection for Jewish students in higher education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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