New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S746

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

Impact

The changes proposed in S746 will specifically affect statues related to volunteer service and education funding. By allowing volunteers and their families to benefit from greater financial assistance for education, the bill aims to attract more individuals to serve in critical community roles, such as firefighting and emergency medical services. This could potentially lead to increased recruitment and retention of volunteers, thereby enhancing the capacity and response capabilities of local volunteer emergency services across New Jersey.

Summary

Bill S746 aims to expand the existing Volunteer Tuition Credit Program in New Jersey by making it available to volunteers of fire companies and first aid or rescue squads, as well as their dependents, who are enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education. The bill raises the maximum tuition credit accessible to qualifying individuals from $2,400 to $4,000 over the course of four years, with annual credits increased from $600 to $1,000. This initiative seeks to encourage volunteerism while promoting access to higher education for volunteers and their families.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill may include the sustainability of funding the expanded tuition credits, especially as demand increases. Additionally, there may be discussions around the adequacy of volunteer programs to maintain a sufficient level of participation, and whether this financial incentive will effectively address recruitment challenges faced by many volunteer organizations. Stakeholders may also consider the potential impacts on state educational budgets and how this bill aligns with broader educational policy goals.

Companion Bills

NJ A541

Same As Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

NJ A1258

Carry Over Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1258

Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

NJ A541

Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

NJ S2385

Increases tuition credit amount permitted under volunteer tuition credit program.

NJ A3533

Increases tuition credit amount permitted under volunteer tuition credit program.

NJ A751

Clarifies that non-credit courses are eligible courses under the volunteer tuition credit program.

NJ SB368

Establishing a tuition credit program for certain members of volunteer fire companies, volunteer ambulance services and volunteer rescue squads and their dependent children and spouses.

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 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.

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