New Jersey Assembly Bill A4307

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/22
• Refer: 6/20/22

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, A4307 will allow the children and surviving spouses of fallen service members to attend public higher education institutions in New Jersey without the burden of tuition costs for up to 16 credits per semester. Additionally, these dependents will receive a monetary award equal to 10% of their tuition costs, specifically for use on non-tuition related educational expenses such as housing, dining, and other fees. This change is expected to alleviate financial constraints that military families often face in accessing education.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4307 seeks to extend tuition benefits to the dependents of members of the United States Armed Forces who have died while on active duty. This proposal aims to amend existing provisions in New Jersey's educational statutes, specifically N.J.S.18A:62-25, which currently only applies to dependents of members of the New Jersey National Guard. By broadening the scope to include all military service members, this bill recognizes the sacrifices made by these individuals and provides support to their families in pursuing higher education.

Contention

While the bill primarily garners support due to its noble intentions, discussions around its fiscal implications may arise. Questions regarding the sustainability of funding for the expanded tuition benefits and related monetary awards could be a point of contention. Advocates highlight the moral obligation to support families of deceased service members, while some policymakers may express concerns about the potential financial impact on state education budgets. Overall, the bill reflects a collective acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by military personnel and aims to offer practical support to their families.