This bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, regardless of household income or federal eligibility status. It eliminates the current requirement for schools to verify family income or collect household data to determine meal eligibility. The policy change applies directly to all students in participating schools and replaces the existing income-based system with universal provision. The bill amends existing statutes to remove income verification requirements for meal eligibility under the National School Lunch Program and federal School Breakfast Program.
This bill establishes a four-year grant program to fund partnerships between eligible New Jersey school districts and entities like county colleges or urban districts for career and technical education (CTE) programs. It directly affects county vocational school districts and other school districts operating approved CTE programs, allowing them to partner with others to create new CTE programs in existing facilities not owned by the applicant. Key provisions require applicants to detail partnership roles, employer involvement, student capacity, facility suitability, and post-grant sustainability plans, with grants awarded based on available state funds. The program mandates a four-year progress report to the governor and legislature, including outcomes and recommendations for permanent funding.
This bill (A1194) prevents New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) from denying child care subsidies to teachers and school employees based on their work hours during periods when schools are not in session for students (e.g., summer break or holidays). It directly affects educators who qualify for subsidies but would otherwise lose eligibility due to reduced hours outside the school year. The key provision ensures these workers are not held to the standard 30-hour weekly work requirement during non-school weeks, though they still must participate in regular eligibility reviews. This change aligns with DHS's existing subsidy program, which supports low-to-moderate-income working parents.
New Jersey's A 2071 establishes the Public Interest Technology Network, directed by the Secretary of Higher Education, to advance the field of public interest technology through collaboration among public university academics. The network must develop interdisciplinary curricula, create hands-on learning opportunities with public and private partners, support graduates entering this field, and create recognition pathways for faculty. Public interest technology is defined as examining technology's social, ethical, and policy impacts while using technology to support public interest organizations and communities. The bill takes effect 30 days after enactment.
This bill allows students at New Jersey public and nonpublic schools, colleges, and licensed institutions to request that their preferred name appear on diplomas instead of their legal name, without requiring legal documentation for a name or gender change. Schools may deny requests only if the preferred name misrepresents identity, avoids legal obligations, harms the institution, or is inappropriate. For former students needing updated records after a legal name change, schools must reissue documents like diplomas or transcripts upon receipt of acceptable proof (e.g., driver's license, court order), charging only a nominal fee. The bill applies to all institutions offering academic degrees and takes effect shortly after enactment.
This bill (A 3407) prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from requiring student parents - those with full or partial custody of a child - to purchase meal plans, live in on-campus housing (except for specific residential programs or scholarship conditions), or pay fees for campus gym or fitness center access. Institutions cannot mandate these costs but may deny facility access if fees aren’t paid. The law applies to all students with custody of children and takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment. It directly affects student parents by removing financial and housing barriers tied to childcare responsibilities.
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.
