Education (Higher Education) in New Jersey

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 3788: Creates Task Force on Higher Education Governance and Funding; appropriates $200,000.

This bill establishes a 13-member Task Force on Higher Education Governance and Funding to study New Jersey's higher education system, including its organizational structure, oversight mechanisms, and financial support. The task force will include representatives from state agencies, universities, colleges, and labor organizations, with appointments made within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The group is required to hold at least one public hearing, examine how current funding affects tuition and student outcomes, and submit data-driven recommendations to the Legislature on how to adequately and equitably fund public higher education institutions. The bill appropriates $200,000 to cover the task force's operational costs and member reimbursement for necessary expenses.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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

A 4645: Revises law permitting undocumented students to pay in-State tuition rate at public institution of higher education and receive certain student financial assistance.

This bill would remove eligibility for in-state tuition rates and certain state financial aid programs at New Jersey public colleges and universities for students without lawful immigration status. Under the proposed changes, only U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens would qualify for these benefits, even if they meet other requirements like attending New Jersey high school for three years or more. The legislation also repeals existing provisions that allowed some undocumented students to participate in these programs, while leaving unchanged the eligibility rules for students holding T or U visas or dependents of certain visa holders.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid DACA & Dreamers

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3823: Requires institution of higher education to provide victim-centered training to employees who assist student victims of sexual assault.

This bill requires New Jersey institutions of higher education to provide annual victim-centered training to employees and student staff who assist students reporting sexual assault. The training targets employees involved in receiving reports, providing services, conducting disciplinary proceedings, residence-life advisors, peer advisors, and campus security personnel. Key provisions mandate that training covers institutional policies, relevant state and federal laws, coordinated response roles, victim assistance, and compassionate communication techniques. The legislation defines a victim-centered response as a systematic focus on victim needs that ensures compassionate, nonjudgmental service delivery while maintaining safety and privacy. This requirement takes effect immediately and applies to the academic year following the bill's enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Violent Crime Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3727: Provides tax credits to companies contributing to loan and loan redemption program for residents who attend institutions of higher education in State and work at such company upon graduation.

This bill creates a program in New Jersey that offers tax credits to companies that contribute money to a student loan fund for residents attending in-state colleges. Companies that make contributions of at least $10,000 can receive an immediate 50% tax credit, plus an additional credit of up to 50% over time as they hire graduates who use the program loans. The program is designed to help businesses recruit and retain local college graduates by funding their education and then paying back portions of those loans when the employees work for the contributing company.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4760: Establishes five-year community schools pilot program.

This bill creates a five-year pilot program to establish community schools in New Jersey, which are public schools that partner with local organizations to provide integrated student supports, expanded learning time, family engagement, and collaborative leadership. The program will be managed by an external nonprofit or university organization selected by the state, which will provide training, technical assistance, and site coordinators to help schools implement community school models. Each county will have one public school assigned a site coordinator to oversee services and outreach, while the program will also develop statewide criteria for school selection and share best practices through a technical assistance center. The initiative directly affects school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools by offering them resources and support to coordinate educational, health, and family services for students and families year-round.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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

A 4592: Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to consider combined income of all cosigners on application for participation in New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program.

This bill requires the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to evaluate the combined income of all cosigners when determining eligibility for the NJCLASS student loan program. Currently, applicants with multiple cosigners might be denied if each individual cosigner falls below the minimum income threshold, even if their total household income qualifies. The legislation amends state law to ensure that the authority considers the total income of all cosigners together rather than assessing each cosigner separately. This change directly affects students and their families applying for NJCLASS loans, particularly those with multiple parents or guardians providing financial support. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3933: Directs Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to provide security risk assessment guidance to certain institutions of higher education.

This bill directs New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to create security risk assessment guidance for public and private colleges and universities that receive state funding. The guidance will help institutions evaluate hazards related to campus safety, data security, emergency planning, infrastructure, and mental health access, while also providing a standardized checklist for annual reviews. Institutions must submit completed checklists to the office each year, and these documents will remain confidential but may inform decisions about state grants for safety upgrades. The office will also offer technical assistance to ensure consistent completion of assessments across all affected schools.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Safety Testing & Assessment Mental Health Consumer Data Protection

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

A 4573: Codifies regulations concerning State-excused absences; permits excused absence for students attending military service activities, certain school visits, and open-houses.

This bill updates New Jersey public school attendance rules by formally recognizing several types of excused absences, including military service activities, college or vocational school visits, and labor-related open houses. Under the new provisions, students in grades 11 and 12 may take up to three excused absences per school year for these activities without those days counting against their attendance records. The legislation also clarifies that excused absences should not appear on transcripts or employment forms and requires students to provide documentation when requested by school officials. This change applies to students participating in military testing, evaluations, or enlistment activities, as well as those visiting educational institutions or attending job-related events.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 9, 2026

A 4498: Permits member of New Jersey National Guard to transfer certain tuition benefit to spouse or dependent child.

This bill allows New Jersey National Guard members to transfer their tuition benefit to a spouse or dependent child. Currently, Guard members can attend public New Jersey colleges tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester under specific conditions. The new provision permits transfer of this benefit to one spouse or child, who must also be enrolled in good standing at a public institution and have applied for all available state and federal grants/scholarships. It does not change the existing requirements for the original Guard member or the recipient.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Higher Education National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

All education bills