New Jersey Senate Bill S2551

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/22
• Refer: 5/12/22

Caption

Requires public institutions of higher education to waive tuition and fees for Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Medal military recipients.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would lead to significant changes in state educational policies, particularly regarding financial support for military personnel and veterans. By stipulating the tuition waiver for undergraduate courses, the bill aims to increase enrollment from these service members and veterans, thus promoting higher education as a feasible option for them post-service. Furthermore, this could also encourage public institutions to develop programs tailored to support and integrate these individuals into academic environments.

Summary

Senate Bill S2551 requires public institutions of higher education in New Jersey to waive tuition and fees for military service members and veterans who are recipients of either the Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart Medal. The intent of the bill is to honor and support those who have made significant sacrifices for their country by providing them with access to higher education without the burden of tuition costs. Under this legislation, eligible individuals must be enrolled as undergraduate students in good standing and must apply for all available state and federal financial aid before qualifying for the tuition waiver.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to positively impact military personnel seeking higher education, some may argue about the fiscal implications for public institutions. There may be concerns regarding the financial feasibility of tuition waivers and how this could affect budgets and funding for these educational institutions. Additionally, the bill's requirement for veterans to apply for other forms of financial assistance before receiving the waiver may be viewed as an obstacle, leading to discussions about the adequacy of support provided by the state overall.