This bill creates a tax credit program for New Jersey companies that fund student loan assistance. Companies contributing at least $10,000 to the "New Jersey Talent Retention Loan Fund" receive a 50% tax credit against state taxes, with an additional 50% credit over time if they hire graduates. The fund provides loans to eligible in-state students attending New Jersey colleges, requiring participants to work for the contributing company for up to four years after graduation to have their student debt partially repaid. The program directly affects participating companies (through tax incentives), students (through loan access), and the state (via fund administration under the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority).
This bill allocates $3 million annually from cannabis tax revenue (Social Equity Excise Fee) to fund Freedom Schools in New Jersey. The funds are directed to the Department of State for direct support of these schools, subject to budget approval. It specifically affects Freedom Schools - public or community-based educational programs - by providing dedicated state funding through an existing tax revenue stream, without altering eligibility or program requirements. The measure takes immediate effect upon enactment.
This bill (A4486) requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to award academic credit to students who earn a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams or 50 or higher on College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) assessments. It applies specifically to students pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees who completed the relevant high school courses/exams before enrolling. Institutions must post their credit policies online, submit them to the Higher Education Secretary, and notify the Secretary 60 days before changing policies. The bill also allows limited exemptions for specific courses if institutions provide data showing different score requirements are needed for student success.
This bill requires New Jersey's four-year public universities to admit students diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell anemia before age 24, provided they are New Jersey residents for at least one year. Institutions must prioritize these students for admission, financial aid, and on-campus housing, though they may deny admission for compelling reasons reviewed by the Higher Education Secretary. Universities must annually report enrollment data to the Secretary, who then shares totals with the Governor and Legislature. The law does not alter admission standards for specialized programs. It takes effect immediately for the next academic year following enactment.
This New Jersey bill (A 2098) prohibits institutions of higher education and certain proprietary schools from withholding student transcripts due to unpaid debts of $2,000 or less for non-mandatory charges (like campus fees, not tuition or room/board). It specifically bans institutions from refusing transcripts, charging extra fees, or conditioning transcript access on debt payment for qualifying students. Exceptions apply for unpaid tuition/room/board debts, debts exceeding $2,000, or students needing transcripts for new student loans. The bill also requires institutions to post transcript policies online and clarifies that transcript access does not forgive debt or affect diploma issuance. Note: This bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted as P.L.2025, c.353.
This bill (NJ A3268) allows New Jersey public school districts to count virtual or remote instruction days toward their required 180-day school year when schools close due to weather, emergencies, or health directives. It requires districts to submit approved virtual programs to the education commissioner, ensures equal educational access for students with disabilities (including IEP services via technology), and specifies that virtual days count as full school days for graduation, course credit, and state assessments. The commissioner must establish guidance on technology access, day length, and impacts on lunch programs and state testing. It directly affects all public school districts, charter schools, and students, including those with disabilities.
This bill requires all New Jersey school districts to include environmental sustainability goals in their existing long-range facilities plans. Districts must update these plans every five years to incorporate sustainability measures, such as energy efficiency or waste reduction, alongside other planning elements like enrollment projections and safety standards. The requirement applies to all school districts, including those designated as "Abbott districts" under previous law. This amendment modifies an existing 2000 law (P.L.2000, c.72) by adding environmental sustainability as a mandatory component of the planning process, without specifying exact sustainability metrics.
This bill (A 1772) provides free undergraduate tuition and mandatory student fees at New Jersey public colleges for dependents of qualifying veterans. It directly affects children (ages 17-26), spouses, civil union partners, or domestic partners of veterans who were New Jersey residents when entering active duty and who were killed in action, declared POW/MIA, permanently and totally disabled (100% service-connected), or died from a service-connected disability. To qualify, dependents must be New Jersey residents, enrolled full-time in good standing at a public institution, and have applied for all available state and federal grants/scholarships. Benefits are capped at the credit hours needed for a bachelor’s degree (at four-year colleges) or associate degree (at community colleges), and spouse/partner benefits expire after 10 years or upon remarriage.
This bill requires New Jersey school districts to add instruction about e-cigarette dangers to health education for students in grades 6-12, starting in the 2020-2021 school year. The curriculum must cover: nicotine content in e-cigarettes, how e-cigarette use can lead to addiction to tobacco or other drugs, health effects of chemicals like formaldehyde found in e-cigarettes, and the state's ban on e-cigarette use on school grounds. The state’s Education Commissioner will provide schools with sample lesson materials to support this teaching. The law directly affects all public school districts and students in grades 6-12 across New Jersey.
This bill (A 912) requires New Jersey school boards to adopt policies preventing obscene material in school libraries. It mandates that schools establish clear criteria for library materials, prohibit obscene content, ensure all staff comply with state obscenity laws (N.J.S.2C:34-3), and create procedures to investigate staff who distribute such material to students. The Commissioner of Education must provide guidance on identifying obscene material, recommending disciplinary actions (including termination for criminal violations), and when to involve law enforcement. Noncompliant school districts risk state funding sanctions, directly affecting school boards, library staff, and students' access to library resources.
