New Jersey Assembly Bill A4717

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/12/24
• Refer: 9/12/24

Caption

Allows military member to qualify for resident tuition rate at county college.

Impact

If enacted, A4717 will reduce the financial burden on military members and their families when pursuing education at county colleges, making it more affordable through the application of lower resident tuition rates. By aligning these benefits more closely with provisions for in-state public higher education, the bill aims to support military families in their educational endeavors. The lower county resident tuition rate could significantly ease the financial challenges faced by these individuals, particularly given their service to the state and country.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4717 proposes to grant members of the United States military and their dependents access to resident tuition rates at county colleges in New Jersey, provided they reside or are stationed in the county. This legislation aims to amend existing statutes related to tuition rates within the state, ensuring that military personnel are regarded as county residents for tuition purposes. Such a change seeks to address existing disparities in tuition costs faced by military families, many of whom are currently classified as non-residents due to out-of-county or out-of-state addresses.

Contention

Discussions surrounding A4717 may center on potential challenges regarding the billing and verification processes for residency status among military members and their dependents. While the proposal has the potential to foster greater educational access, there may be contention over the implications for local college funding and policy adjustments needed to implement these changes. Additionally, legislators may debate the broader impacts of extending residency benefits in the context of educational policy, weighing the needs of military families against those of other resident students.