New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1706

Introduced
2/28/22  

Caption

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

Impact

The provisions of S1706 would amend existing statutes relating to higher education funding in New Jersey by establishing new scholarship opportunities specifically for military families. This legislation is expected to have a positive effect on educational accessibility for impacted families, improving opportunities for dependent children and surviving spouses to pursue higher education without the financial strain typically associated with tuition costs. The bill outlines that the assistance may only cover amounts not already supported by other scholarships or aid, which could foster awareness of existing financial resources.

Summary

Senate Bill S1706 is a legislative proposal aimed at providing free tuition at public institutions of higher education for the surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel who were killed while in the line of duty. The bill seeks to support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country by easing the financial burden associated with higher education. The bill provides that qualifying individuals, upon acceptance into specific state colleges or universities, will have their tuition costs covered by the state, provided they are enrolled as undergraduate students in good standing.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding S1706, such as discussions regarding the funding of the program and the impact on state budgets. Some legislators may express concerns about prioritizing educational funding for military families over other demographics in need, raising questions about the balance of educational equity. Additionally, there is also the consideration of how effectively the program could be implemented, including the administrative processes of determining eligibility and managing the disbursement of funds.

Companion Bills

NJ A2954

Same As Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1134

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

NJ A108

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

NJ A1772

Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education for dependents of certain veterans.

NJ S2012

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

NJ A227

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

NJ HB4347

Relating to the eligibility of children and other dependents of certain military personnel or veterans for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education.

NJ A292

Provides tuition-free credits to certain instituitions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

NJ S2578

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

NJ A2350

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

NJ HB1867

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for the siblings of certain military personnel.

Similar Bills

NJ A2970

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.

SC H3871

Palmetto Access to HigherEd (PATH) Act

WI SB868

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)

SC H3327

Educational lottery scholarship grants

NJ S3296

Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

WY HB0057

AN ACT relating to the use of Hathaway scholarships at private post secondary institutions; defining terms; creating a scholarship; establishing eligibility requirements; establishing payment of scholarship funds to private post secondary institutions; specifying success curriculum requirements; modifying the duties of the department of education; providing a sunset date; requiring rulemaking; requiring reporting; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

NJ A450

Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

WI AB486

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)