New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A495

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Impact

The legislation builds upon the existing framework established by P.L.2015, c.117, which initially set up scholarships for undergraduate studies for dependents of service members who have been killed, declared missing in action, or permanently disabled due to specific military operations. By including career and technical education, the bill recognizes the evolving landscape of education and workforce development, aligning scholarship provisions with current educational needs and market demands. This shift could significantly bolster the skill sets of military dependents and enhance their employability in various industries.

Summary

Assembly Bill A495 proposes to extend the eligibility of Military Dependents Scholarships to encompass students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs. This amendment specifically targets dependents of military personnel who participated in recent conflicts, particularly Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve. The bill aims to provide more educational opportunities for the families of veterans and active military members, acknowledging their sacrifices through improved access to funding for technical and vocational training.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill includes the proposal to increase the eligibility period for Military Dependents Scholarships from 15 years to 21 years for spouses and eligible dependents. This change aims to provide longer-term support and access to educational funding as dependents transition through different life stages. The discussion surrounding these changes may evoke differing opinions regarding the adequacy and fairness of educational resources allocated to military families, especially in light of previous gaps in scholarship distributions where no funds were awarded since the law's enactment in 2015.

Companion Bills

NJ S1640

Same As Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1140

Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

NJ S1640

Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

NJ S2855

Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

NJ SB280

Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates for members of the military who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

NJ SB169

Military Affairs; expands educational benefits for military dependents

NJ HB2076

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program; changes to eligibility criteria.

NJ S3034

Extends eligibility for tuition benefit to dependents of members of United States Armed Forces who died while on active duty.

NJ A4307

Extends eligibility for tuition benefit to dependents of members of United States Armed Forces who died while on active duty.

NJ A3612

Extends eligibility for tuition benefit to dependents of members of United States Armed Forces who died while on active duty.

NJ A687

Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance.

Similar Bills

NJ S2855

Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

NJ A1140

Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

NJ S1640

Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

MO SB611

Establishes the "Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge Program," which provides recognition medals for certain veterans

MO SB540

Modifies provisions relating to members of the armed forces

TX SB280

Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates for members of the military who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

TX HB2540

Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates for recipients of certain Texas military awards.

MO HB1067

Modifies provisions relating to Disabled American Veterans license plates