New Jersey Assembly Bill A2986

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Prohibits four-year public institution of higher education from charging tuition to student who is spouse or dependent child of disabled veteran.

Impact

The implementation of A2986 may significantly impact educational accessibility for the families of disabled veterans. By removing financial barriers to higher education, the bill is expected to encourage more spouses and children of veterans to pursue college degrees. This initiative not only acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military but also serves to enhance the educational landscape by integrating veterans' families into the academic community, potentially fostering a more inclusive environment on campuses across New Jersey.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2986 aims to provide tuition-free enrollment for the spouses and dependent children of disabled veterans at four-year public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. It establishes conditions under which these individuals can attend college without the burden of tuition fees, promoting educational opportunities for families impacted by military service. The bill mandates that recipients must be accepted to a program of undergraduate study and in good academic standing, as well as actively seek all available student grants and federal benefits that could support their education.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support for its goals, there may be notable challenges concerning funding and the capacity of public institutions to absorb the financial implications of waiving tuition. The state is responsible for reimbursing colleges and universities for the tuition waivers, which raises questions about budget allocations and the long-term sustainability of such a program. Critics may also argue that while generous, initiatives like this must ensure that they do not detract from the resources available to other students or lead to unintentional tuition increases for non-veteran students as institutions adjust their funding models.