Education (Higher Education)

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2218: Requires Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain database of Educational Opportunity Fund student admissions.

This bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain a database tracking available student spots in Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) programs at participating colleges. Colleges must notify the Secretary's office within one business day when a spot is filled, so the database stays updated. Campus EOF directors must share information about available spots at other colleges with students who haven't secured a placement. The goal is to improve communication and placement opportunities for eligible students seeking EOF program enrollment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves access to EOF programs by requiring real-time tracking and information sharing of available student spots, enhancing educational opportunity for higher education students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2457: Permits excused absence for students participating in college visits, visits to postsecondary technical institutions, and military recruitment-related activities.

This bill allows high school students in grades 11-12 at New Jersey public schools to miss up to three days per school year for college visits, visits to technical institutions, or military recruitment activities without penalty. Students must provide documentation to their school, and these absences will not appear on transcripts, job applications, or affect perfect attendance records. Military recruitment-related activities include required testing, medical evaluations, interviews, and fingerprinting for enlistment. The law aims to support students exploring college or military career paths while maintaining attendance accountability.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables K-12 students to explore postsecondary options without academic penalty, expanding educational access and support for college/military pathways.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1027: "Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

The Opportunity Scholarship Act (S 1027) creates a pilot program allowing New Jersey taxpayers to receive state tax credits for donating to nonprofit scholarship organizations. These donations fund scholarships for low-income children (from households earning ≤2.5x the federal poverty level) attending "chronically failing" public schools - defined as schools where 40%+ of students scored below expectations in both math and language arts for two consecutive years. Scholarships cover tuition at eligible public or nonpublic schools (that accept scholarship students without discrimination and meet state standards), with amounts capped at the per-pupil expenditure of the failing school. The program is currently pending in the Senate Education Committee and will be assessed over a pilot period.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits to donors for scholarship contributions, directly advancing tax relief policy for taxpayers while funding low-income education programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates tax credits for scholarships funding low-income students (≤2.5x poverty) in 'chronically failing' public schools to attend non-public schools, expanding educational access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Higher Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2032: Prohibits State Board of Education from limiting number of certain two-year college credits that may be applied towards meeting teacher certification requirements.

This bill prohibits the New Jersey State Board of Education from setting limits on how many semester-hour credits earned at regionally accredited two-year colleges in professional education can count toward teacher certification requirements. It directly affects prospective teachers seeking certification who attend two-year colleges, ensuring their credits are fully counted if accepted by a state-approved four-year college program. The key provision removes any restriction the Board might impose on these credits, requiring them to be accepted as part of certification without arbitrary caps. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves restrictions on two-year college credits for teacher certification, expanding access for prospective educators and aligning with teacher support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Teachers

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 603: Establishes program to provide guaranteed admission to public institutions of higher education for certain public school students.

This bill establishes a program offering conditional admission to New Jersey public colleges for eligible high school seniors. It directly affects public high school students in grade 12 who are New Jersey residents for at least one year, applying full-time for the first time to a degree program. Admission is based on academic merit, including GPA, course rigor (like AP/IB classes), test scores, and state assessments, with colleges required to offer admission within their capacity. The program requires annual reporting on participant demographics and impact, but does not guarantee admission to specific majors or programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes guaranteed college admission program for NJ high school seniors based on academic merit, directly expanding higher education access without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2608: Requires public institution of higher education to provide academic credit for certain examinations.

This bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to grant academic credit to students who earned a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams or 50 or higher on College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) assessments while in high school. It applies to students pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees and mandates that institutions post their credit policies online and report changes to the Higher Education Secretary 60 days in advance. Institutions may seek limited exemptions for specific courses if they provide data showing higher score thresholds are necessary for student success in advanced coursework. The law takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates credit for AP/CLEP exams, expanding college access and reducing costs for students pursuing degrees, directly advancing educational opportunity in higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2020: Establishes New Jersey Grow Your Own Teacher Pilot Program.

This bill establishes a four-year pilot program to address teacher shortages and diversify school staff in New Jersey. It creates "Grow Your Own Partnerships" between school districts (prioritizing high-need SDA districts), charter schools, and colleges, which would recruit minority students who graduated from those schools. The program covers tuition, fees, and room/board for participating students at partner colleges, in exchange for a three-year teaching commitment in their home district upon graduation. The state would fund three selected partnerships annually, with the Department of Education overseeing implementation and reporting on progress. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Education Committee.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill funds tuition/room/board for teacher candidates in high-need districts to address shortages and diversify staff, directly supporting educator recruitment and retention in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Teachers

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2263: Requires four-year public institution of higher education to develop and implement reproductive health services plan; requires county college to develop referral network for reproductive health care services.

This bill requires New Jersey's four-year public universities to create and update annual plans ensuring student access to reproductive health services, including referrals for contraception (including emergency contraception), STI testing/treatment, prenatal care, and abortion. It mandates 24-hour access to over-the-counter contraception via campus vending machines, retail, or health centers, plus evidence-based education. County colleges must develop referral networks to local providers for off-campus reproductive care. The law does not require institutions to directly provide services but sets specific access requirements, effective seven months after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates reproductive health services access at colleges, enhancing student well-being and educational access.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates reproductive health services access including contraception, abortion, and referrals, expanding student healthcare access at public institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2320: Establishes Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program.

S 2320 establishes the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program, providing financial aid to New Jersey residents working in public service fields facing critical workforce shortages (such as healthcare, education, or emergency services). Eligible students must work full-time in these sectors for 1-2 years before receiving scholarships covering tuition and fees up to $25,000 for two years or $50,000 for four years at public New Jersey colleges. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, U.S. citizens, recent high school graduates, and employed in approved roles at minimum wage or higher. The program requires students to apply for other aid first and maintain academic progress, with scholarships terminating if they withdraw without approved reasons.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds public service education through state scholarship program, allocating budget resources to address workforce shortages in critical sectors.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides scholarships for education sector workers covering tuition at public colleges, directly funding education workforce development and access.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds scholarships for healthcare workers to address workforce shortages, directly supporting sector stability and expansion.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds education for public service workers to address critical workforce shortages in healthcare, education, and emergency services, strengthening labor supply in key employment sectors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid Minimum Wage

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