New Jersey Assembly Bill A282

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires institution of higher education to provide refund or credit to students for unused on-campus student housing and meal plans due to COVID-19 public health emergency.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact the operations of colleges and universities throughout New Jersey. By requiring these institutions to offer pro rata credits or refunds, it holds them accountable for financial measures taken in response to the pandemic, benefiting students who were left without access to facilities for which they had already paid. It also mandates institutions to notify students of their rights to credits or refunds, ensuring transparency in the process.

Summary

Assembly Bill A282 mandates that institutions of higher education provide refunds or credits to students for unused housing and meal plans due to the closures resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The legislation defines 'qualified student expenses' as payments made by students for on-campus housing and meal plans or payments made on students' behalf through student loans. This aims to address the financial impact on students who were unable to utilize their housing and meal plans because of the pandemic.

Contention

While the bill may be welcomed by students and their families, there could be financial implications for educational institutions that may struggle with the costs associated with implementing these refunds. Proponents argue that this legislation is essential for fairness and financial justice for students impacted by sudden campus closures, while some institutions may express concern about budget constraints and the broader financial sustainability amid ongoing effects of the pandemic.