Education (Higher Education) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3861: Requires institution of higher education to collect certain information concerning student parents.

This bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to gather and report specific data about undergraduate students who are parents or legal guardians of children under 18. Under the legislation, institutions must submit an annual report to the Secretary of Higher Education by July 1 each year, detailing the number of student parents enrolled in both full-time and part-time programs broken down by demographic groups, along with their academic outcomes such as transfer, withdrawal, and graduation rates. The reports must be made publicly available on each institution's website, and the state secretary will compile a statewide summary of this data for public access. All collected information must remain confidential and comply with privacy laws, ensuring no personal identifying details are disclosed.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3804: Establishes five-year community schools pilot program.

This bill creates a five-year pilot program in New Jersey to help public schools, charter schools, and renaissance schools establish community schools that integrate education with health, family, and community services. The program will be managed by an external organization or university selected by the state, which will provide training, technical assistance, and site coordinators to support participating schools in meeting four key goals: integrated student supports, expanded learning time, family engagement, and collaborative leadership. Each county will have one public school assigned a site coordinator to help launch and manage the community school, while the state will publicly list all participating schools and share best practices statewide.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SCR 130: Urges USDA to revise 20 hour weekly work requirement for student participation in SNAP.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that urges the U.S. Department of Agriculture to revise the 20-hour weekly work requirement for college students to qualify for SNAP benefits. It directly affects college students attending institutions of higher education who currently must meet this work requirement to receive nutritional assistance. The resolution requests that the USDA approve changes to federal rules and asks the U.S. Congress to authorize state waivers for this requirement. It does not change any laws directly but serves as a formal recommendation to federal agencies and lawmakers.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3868: Clarifies public school student attendance recording and reporting requirements.

This bill clarifies how New Jersey public schools must record and report student attendance by establishing specific rules for excused and unexcused absences. It requires schools to count students as present if they participate in at least half a day of instruction, whether in-person, at an off-site location, or virtually. The legislation expands excused absences to include menstrual disorders, mental or behavioral health issues, court appearances, and family deaths, while also recognizing State-excused absences for religious observances, Veterans Day, election activities, college visits, and transportation closures. Students with excused absences can make up missed work, and these absences will not appear on transcripts or employment forms, though documentation may be required for approval.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Health Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4723: Requires each public institution of higher education to develop menstrual equity plan.

This bill requires the president of every public college or university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity plan. The plan must outline how the institution will provide free menstrual products to students and staff, including estimates of need, distribution locations, costs, and a timeline for full implementation within 12 months. Once developed, the plan must be submitted to the institution's governing body, the Governor, and the Legislature. The law defines menstrual equity as ensuring equal access to menstrual hygiene products while reducing stigma around menstruation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4595: 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 creates the College Child Care Advisory Commission in New Jersey to study and make recommendations about child care services for college students. The commission will consist of 15 members, including state officials, educators, child care providers, and a student parent, who will meet to examine current programs and identify ways to improve access to child care on college campuses. Its main tasks include gathering data on student needs, reviewing existing services, and exploring partnerships between colleges and child care providers to potentially use campus facilities for child care. The commission must submit its final report to the governor, legislature, and college presidents within one year, and the bill will end once that report is issued.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3928: Establishes tax credit for portion of qualifying educational expenditures made by taxpayer on behalf of child.

This New Jersey bill creates a state tax credit for parents who pay for certain educational expenses for their dependent children. The credit allows taxpayers to receive 25% of qualifying educational expenditures, up to a maximum of $500 per child, which can be applied against their New Jersey gross income tax. Qualifying expenses include tuition at nonpublic schools, required school supplies, instructional materials, extracurricular activity fees, and transportation costs paid directly to the school, while explicitly excluding tutoring, standardized test fees, and everyday clothing. The measure applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, and is intended to provide financial relief to families utilizing private education options.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Curriculum Higher Education School Choice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3824: Requires extraordinary special education aid to school districts for students with costs over $55,000 to be assessed and levied by county in which school district is located.

This bill requires that extraordinary special education aid for students with costs exceeding $55,000 be assessed and levied by the county where the school district is located, rather than being distributed directly by the state. It applies to school districts serving students with high-cost special education needs, particularly those placed in private schools where tuition exceeds the $55,000 threshold. The legislation amends existing state laws to shift the funding mechanism for these high-cost cases to the county level while maintaining the 75% state aid rate for costs above the threshold. The bill does not change the percentage of aid provided or the eligibility criteria for students, only the administrative process for collecting and distributing the funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Funding Special Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3777: Directs Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to grant deferment of New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) student loan payments to new parent.

This bill requires the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to allow eligible NJCLASS loan borrowers to pause their loan payments for 12 weeks after becoming a parent. To qualify, students must submit proof of their child's birth or adoption within 120 days of the event, and the deferment period begins once the authority receives this documentation. During the 12-week pause, borrowers do not need to make payments on the loan principal, and interest will not accumulate on the debt. The measure directly affects current NJCLASS loan holders in New Jersey who have recently had a child through birth or adoption.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3912: Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

This New Jersey bill prohibits colleges and universities from paying commissions, bonuses, or tuition-sharing fees to online program management companies for recruiting students, with the sole exception of recruiting students from foreign countries. It requires institutions to submit all contracts with these third-party companies to the Secretary of Higher Education within 20 days of signing and mandates that governing boards review and approve such agreements before they take effect. The law also restricts what these contracts can include, banning provisions that allow companies to influence curriculum design, set admission standards, hire faculty, or use the institution's name and logos in ways that mislead students into thinking the company is part of the school.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education

All education bills