New Jersey Assembly Bill A3573

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Prohibits public institution of higher education from charging tuition to student who is dependent child of veteran who died or is disabled as result of service-related injury.

Impact

If enacted, A3573 will significantly impact New Jersey's higher education policy by making public institutions waive tuition for qualifying students. The bill mandates that these institutions will be reimbursed by the state for any tuition amounts they forgo. Such a move could enhance educational access for many families and result in increased enrollment of veteran dependents in New Jersey's public universities and colleges, fostering a more educated workforce.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3573 aims to provide financial assistance for education to the children of veterans who have died or become disabled as a result of service-related injuries. The bill proposes that dependent children of such veterans are entitled to receive up to 60 credit hours tuition-free for an associate degree program, and up to 120 credit hours for a baccalaureate degree program at public higher education institutions in New Jersey. This initiative is intended to ease the financial burden of higher education on families of veterans who have sacrificed for their country.

Contention

Though the bill primarily garners support due to its noble intentions, there are potential points of contention regarding the funding mechanism for the reimbursements to educational institutions. Some lawmakers may raise concerns about the fiscal implications for the state budget, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Additionally, discussions around eligibility criteria could lead to debates about whether the measures are sufficiently inclusive for all veteran families or if they inadvertently exclude certain groups based on financial aid status or residency requirements.