S 3582 would establish a scholarship program for family members and legal guardians of New Jersey military personnel who died while on active duty. The program, initially funded by a $100,000 state appropriation, would provide undergraduate scholarships at New Jersey colleges and universities, with awards capped at the average tuition cost for four-year public institutions. The bill also creates two new funding sources: voluntary taxpayer contributions through state income tax returns and a $2 annual fee on personalized license plates.
This bill provides tuition-free education benefits at New Jersey's public colleges and universities for residents who serve in the Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, or Coast Guard Reserves. It covers up to 16 credits per semester for undergraduate or graduate studies, provided recipients have completed required initial training, are enrolled full-time in good academic standing, and have applied for all available federal benefits (like Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits). The state reimburses public institutions for tuition costs not covered by federal programs. It also extends benefits to reservists interrupted by deployment, allowing them to resume tuition-free study after honorable discharge.
This bill requires New Jersey's tuition aid grants to be equal for students at public and private four-year colleges based on financial need. Currently, students at private institutions receive higher grant amounts than those at public universities for similar need. The bill mandates equal award values but caps grants at the actual tuition cost of public institutions. It affects approximately 65,000-70,000 annual recipients of the state's largest need-based aid program.
This bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to impose a $10,000 fine on any public or private college or university that fails to properly investigate a student's allegation of sexual assault committed by another student. If an allegation is proven true, the institution must also take appropriate disciplinary action against the perpetrator. The fine is enforced through existing summary proceedings under New Jersey's Penalty Enforcement Law. The bill directly affects all higher education institutions in New Jersey that receive state funding or oversight.
This bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain a centralized database tracking available student openings in Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) programs at participating colleges. It directly affects eligible students seeking EOF placements and college EOF directors who will use the database to improve communication about program availability. Key provisions mandate that colleges notify the Secretary's office when an opening is filled (with updates within one business day) and require EOF directors to share information about openings at other institutions if a student hasn't secured a placement. The database aims to streamline the placement process by providing real-time, institution-wide visibility into available spots.
This bill allows cosigners on New Jersey's NJCLASS student loans to make voluntary payments beyond what the borrower pays, with those payments qualifying for a tax deduction. Cosigners earning $80,000 or less can deduct the full amount paid, while those earning more can deduct 50%. It also expands tax deductions for borrowers: those earning $80,000 or less can deduct all interest paid on NJCLASS loans, and higher earners can deduct 50% of interest. The policy directly affects NJCLASS borrowers and their cosigners by providing tax relief on loan payments and interest. It applies specifically to the New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Program.
This bill allows New Jersey students receiving tuition aid grants (TAG) or opportunity grants (EOF) to use part of their annual award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their major. Students must notify the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (TAG) or the Secretary of Higher Education (EOF) before the academic year starts, and their regular academic year payments will be reduced proportionally. Institutions must annually report how many students used summer grants and their graduation rates within standard timeframes. The policy directly affects students in the state's grant programs and requires transparency in grant usage and outcomes, without counting summer use toward eligibility limits.
This bill establishes a program allowing New Jersey volunteer emergency responders (firefighters, first aid squad members, or emergency management volunteers) who have in-state undergraduate student loans to receive up to $6,000 in loan redemption. Participants must complete 500+ annual volunteer hours (or meet firefighter response/certification standards), be state residents, and provide proof of active service. The redemption pays $2,000 per year during the second, third, and fourth years of service after graduation, with no payment in the first year. It applies only to loans used for undergraduate study at New Jersey institutions.
This bill establishes a New Jersey State Government and Civil Service Student Internship Program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. It targets undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law and doctoral programs) from accredited colleges, prioritizing New Jersey residents or students attending NJ institutions. Participants must complete 480 hours of work (240 hours per semester) with state agencies, working 20-40 hours weekly depending on class schedules, and receive a $2,500 stipend per 240 hours. Successful completers gain preference for entry-level civil service jobs within two years of graduation, with disabled veterans receiving highest priority. The program is funded by a $750,000 appropriation from the State General Fund.
This bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to grant a 12-week payment pause on NJCLASS student loans for eligible borrowers who become parents. To qualify, borrowers must submit proof of a child's birth or adoption within 120 days, with the deferment starting once proof is received and ending 12 weeks later. During this period, no interest accrues on the loan, directly affecting new parent borrowers enrolled in the NJCLASS program. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
