New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3686

Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

Requires four-year public institution of higher education to admit certain students diagnosed with cancer and sickle cell anemia.

Impact

The implementation of Bill A3686 could significantly influence the admission landscape at public colleges and universities. By ensuring that individuals with debilitating health conditions have guaranteed access to educational opportunities, the bill seeks to promote equality within higher education. It necessitates that institutions enforce internal policies that cater specifically to this demographic, which may lead to the development of tailored support programs that can further assist these students in overcoming academic hurdles related to their health.

Summary

Bill A3686 mandates that four-year public institutions of higher education in New Jersey must offer admission to certain students diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell anemia who are under the age of 24. This requirement aims to enhance access to education for vulnerable populations impacted by serious health issues. The bill outlines clear eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be state residents for at least one year and below the age limit at the time of application. Furthermore, institutions are expected to prioritize these students in admissions, financial aid, and housing allocation.

Contention

One notable aspect of contention surrounding this bill could revolve around the concept of institutional autonomy. While the bill emphasizes the importance of accessibility, concerns might be raised regarding potential challenges faced by institutions in maintaining their usual admissions standards and processes. The provision allowing institutions to deny admission if a compelling reason is identified, albeit overseen by the Secretary of Higher Education, may also lead to debates on what constitutes a 'compelling reason.' Critics could argue that this clause may open avenues for discrimination or bias against applicants when justifying admissions decisions.

Companion Bills

NJ A5306

Carry Over Requires four-year public institution of higher education to admit certain students diagnosed with cancer and sickle cell anemia.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5306

Requires four-year public institution of higher education to admit certain students diagnosed with cancer and sickle cell anemia.

NJ S3083

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ S1176

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ A1589

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ A2133

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ HB1352

Sickle Cell Disease - Institutions of Higher Education - Policies, Procedures, and Educational Campaigns

NJ A4944

Authorizes medical cannabis for treatment of sickle cell anemia.

NJ S3394

Authorizes medical cannabis for treatment of sickle cell anemia.

NJ S2392

Authorizes medical cannabis for treatment of sickle cell anemia.

NJ A913

Authorizes medical cannabis for treatment of sickle cell anemia.

Similar Bills

NJ A4970

Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.

NJ S3406

Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.

NJ S4597

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ S3820

Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.

NJ S1112

Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.

NJ A5407

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish standards for assessing and awarding academic credit for prior learning.

NJ A4665

Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.

NJ S3642

Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.