New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A541

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 impact of A541 is significant as it aims to incentivize volunteerism in essential services like firefighting and emergency medical response. By allowing the dependents of these volunteers to attend four-year higher education institutions tuition-free, the bill seeks to not only honor the commitment of these individuals to public service but also alleviate the financial burden associated with obtaining higher education. This expansion is expected to encourage more individuals to participate in volunteer organizations, thus enhancing community safety and emergency readiness.

Summary

Assembly Bill A541, proposed in New Jersey, seeks to expand the Volunteer Tuition Credit Program to include volunteers of fire and first aid organizations, as well as their dependent children and spouses, who enroll in four-year public institutions of higher education. The bill proposes an increase in the maximum value of tuition credit provided under this program from $2,400 to $4,000 over a four-year period. Additionally, it raises the annual tuition credit from $600 to $1,000 per year, thereby providing substantial financial assistance for those who serve their communities through volunteer work.

Contention

While the bill appears to gain support from various stakeholders advocating for education and community service, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of funds necessary to support this expanded program. Detractors might raise concerns about prioritizing tuition assistance for volunteers over other educational funding needs or suggest that state resources could be strained by such an increase in benefits. Balancing the interests of volunteers with the broader educational funding landscape will likely be a critical issue as the bill advances through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

NJ S746

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 S746

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 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 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 A347

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.

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