New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1706

Introduced
2/28/22  

Caption

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

Impact

The provisions of S1706 would amend existing statutes relating to higher education funding in New Jersey by establishing new scholarship opportunities specifically for military families. This legislation is expected to have a positive effect on educational accessibility for impacted families, improving opportunities for dependent children and surviving spouses to pursue higher education without the financial strain typically associated with tuition costs. The bill outlines that the assistance may only cover amounts not already supported by other scholarships or aid, which could foster awareness of existing financial resources.

Summary

Senate Bill S1706 is a legislative proposal aimed at providing free tuition at public institutions of higher education for the surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel who were killed while in the line of duty. The bill seeks to support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country by easing the financial burden associated with higher education. The bill provides that qualifying individuals, upon acceptance into specific state colleges or universities, will have their tuition costs covered by the state, provided they are enrolled as undergraduate students in good standing.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding S1706, such as discussions regarding the funding of the program and the impact on state budgets. Some legislators may express concerns about prioritizing educational funding for military families over other demographics in need, raising questions about the balance of educational equity. Additionally, there is also the consideration of how effectively the program could be implemented, including the administrative processes of determining eligibility and managing the disbursement of funds.

Companion Bills

NJ A2954

Same As Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

Previously Filed As

NJ S928

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

NJ A2954

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

NJ A1026

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

NJ A676

Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education for dependents of certain veterans.

NJ A2844

Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education for dependents of certain veterans.

NJ SB1537

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain military personnel and their dependents and for the spouses and children of certain deceased, missing, and disabled military personnel.

NJ S2837

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

NJ S168

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

NJ A347

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

NJ S2125

Eliminates eligibility time limit on tuition benefits for spouses of certain public safety workers killed in performance of their duties.

Similar Bills

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB288

California Ban on Scholarship Displacement Act of 2021.

CA AB3086

California Ban on Scholarship Displacement Act of 2020.

MI HB5829

Higher education: financial aid; state competitive scholarships; eliminate. Amends secs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 5a, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 of 1964 PA 208 (MCL 390.972 et seq.) & repeals acts and rescinds rules.

NJ A2528

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.

NJ A919

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.