Removes Selective Service registration as requirement for eligibility under State student financial aid programs.
Impact
The immediate impact of this bill broadens access to state scholarships, particularly benefiting those who may have previously been disqualified due to not registering with the Selective Service. By aligning state regulations with federal guidelines established under the 'FAFSA Simplification Act,' S1116 not only aims to streamline the application process for state aid but also ensures that New Jersey's policies are in concert with federal policy intended to ease the burden on students seeking financial support for higher education.
Summary
Senate Bill S1116 aims to amend the eligibility requirements for state student financial aid programs in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement for students to provide verification of registration with the Selective Service System to remain eligible for state-funded loans, grants, or scholarships. This change aligns New Jersey's financial aid eligibility with recent federal amendments that eliminate the same requirement for federal student financial aid, thus simplifying access to financial assistance for students in the state.
Conclusion
Overall, if enacted, S1116 is poised to create a more equitable framework for state student financial aid in New Jersey. By eliminating the compliance requirement with the Military Selective Service Act, the bill could reduce barriers for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that financial aid serves as a catalyst for educational attainment rather than a gatekeeping mechanism.
Contention
While the bill appears largely non-controversial, notable points of contention may arise regarding perceptions of the Selective Service. Some may argue that maintaining registration should still be a requirement, reflecting broader societal obligations of citizenship. Nevertheless, advocates for the bill contend that educational opportunities should not be hindered by such requirements, especially in a climate where federal policies are evolving towards greater inclusivity and accessibility.
Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance.
Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance.
Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance.
Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance.
Eliminates eligibility of certain students including undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria to receive State student financial aid or to qualify for in-State tuition at public institutions of higher education.
Requires several State agencies to review and increase, if authorized, income eligibility standards for certain public assistance, school nutrition, and higher education student financial assistance programs; makes an appropriation.
To create the Alabama Fits All Scholarship Program; require the State Board of Education to contract with a program manager to administer the program; to authorize the program manager to establish scholarship accounts on behalf of eligible students; to prohibit a program manager from accepting scholarship funds in certain circumstances; to require fiscal safeguards and accountability measures; to require eligible schools and service providers to meet certain standards to be eligible to receive scholarship funds; to authorize the program manager to distribute scholarship funds; to require the State Board of Education to provide limited oversight of the program manager, including an appeal process for the program manager's administrative decisions; to prohibit certain regulations of eligible schools and eligible service providers; to require criminal history background information checks for employees and officers of a program manager; to provide for program funding; and to require the program manager and the board to submit reports on the program to the Legislature.