Education (Higher Education) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2609: Increases tuition credit amount permitted under volunteer tuition credit program.

This bill increases the tuition credit amount for volunteer firefighters and first responders in New Jersey. It raises the annual credit from $600 to $1,250 per year (up to a total of $5,000 over four years) for active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid/rescue squads, plus their spouses and dependent children. To qualify, individuals must agree to serve four years in such a volunteer organization and sign a service agreement with their municipality. The credit covers tuition at county colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes, though students still pay required fees like lab or registration costs.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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 2199: Eliminates US citizenship requirement for student representatives on boards of trustees of certain public institutions of higher education.

This bill (S 2199) removes a requirement that student representatives on boards of trustees at New Jersey public colleges and universities must be U.S. citizens. It directly affects eligible students seeking board representation at institutions covered by the law, including state colleges and universities like Thomas A. Edison State University. The key change eliminates the phrase "and citizens of the United States" from existing eligibility rules, while keeping other requirements intact (full-time enrollment, 18+ years old, good academic standing). Student representatives will still serve two-year terms with a first-year alternate role, and retain full participation rights except on specific matters like personnel decisions or confidential litigation. The bill aims to broaden eligibility for student board members without altering other structural provisions.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Higher Education Citizenship & Naturalization

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1653: Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

S 1653 prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from withholding student transcripts due to debts under $2,000 for non-essential fees (like activity or parking charges), but allows withholding for unpaid tuition, room, or board. Institutions cannot refuse transcripts, charge extra fees, or use transcript issuance to collect small debts, though they may require repayment plans for larger debts. The law specifically protects students needing transcripts for new or refinanced student loans. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into an existing law (P.L.2025, c.353).

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher 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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1338: Prohibits institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions from withholding transcript due to outstanding student account balance; establishes penalties for noncompliance.

This bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities, as well as licensed proprietary schools, from withholding student transcripts due to unpaid balances. It directly affects current and former students who owe money to institutions, preventing schools from refusing transcripts, charging extra fees for them, or using transcripts as a debt collection tool. Key provisions require institutions to provide transcripts within 10 business days or face $500 daily penalties for each day of noncompliance. The law specifically allows institutions to charge standard fees for transcript processing but bans using debt collection tactics through transcript access.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2474: Appropriates $300,000 from General Fund to New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University.

This bill appropriates $300,000 from New Jersey's General Fund to the Rutgers University New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station specifically for the Veterans Environmental Technology and Solutions (VETS) program. The funding will continue and expand this initiative, which provides unemployed veterans with training in sustainable landscaping, environmental skills, and business development through classroom instruction, site visits, and community projects. The program helps veterans transition to civilian life while supporting local environmental improvement efforts. The VETS program, originally established in Essex County in 2014, had previously ended due to funding gaps. This supplemental appropriation ensures its ongoing operation and growth.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education Veteran Education Veteran Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1113: "Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

This bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to implement comprehensive mental health programs for students. Key provisions include mandatory annual mental health awareness sessions, on-campus screenings for conditions like depression and anxiety, peer support programs using recovery-model best practices, and partnerships with local mental health providers to achieve a 1:1,250 clinician-to-student ratio benchmark. It also mandates Mental Health First Aid training for student advisors, resident assistants, and campus security staff. The law directly affects all public and private higher education institutions in New Jersey, aiming to increase access to services and reduce barriers for students seeking mental health support.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Higher Education Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 3201: Establishes the New Jersey State Government and Civil Service Student Internship Program; appropriates $750,000.

This bill establishes the New Jersey State Government and Civil Service Student Internship Program, appropriating $750,000 to provide paid internships for students. It directly affects full-time or part-time undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law and PhD candidates) attending accredited New Jersey colleges or residing in the state, requiring 480 total work hours (240 hours per work period) with state agencies. Upon successful completion, participants gain preference for entry-level civil service positions within two years of graduation, with disabled veterans and veterans receiving highest priority. The program includes an advisory committee and director to manage recruitment, eligibility, and academic credit assistance.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2204: Provides supplemental appropriation of $20 million for loan redemption program and tuition reimbursement program for certain teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This bill allocates $20 million in supplemental funding to support STEM teachers in New Jersey public schools through two programs. It provides eligible new STEM teachers (those completing educator preparation programs or advanced STEM degrees in 2021-2022) with either: 1) Upfront loan redemption covering 25% of eligible student debt (up to $20,000), or 2) Upfront tuition reimbursement covering 25% of eligible tuition costs (up to $20,000). Recipients must sign a contract committing to four years of teaching in a New Jersey public school STEM classroom and maintain teaching certification. Failure to complete the service period requires repayment as a loan. The funding modifies existing programs under P.L.2019, c.401 for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education Teachers

All education bills