New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1656

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Prohibits institution of higher education that provides child care from charging student-parent who receives child care voucher under "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" an amount for child care in excess of voucher amount.

Impact

If enacted, A1656 will directly influence state laws governing financial transactions between educational institutions and students availing child care services. By enforcing a cap on fees relative to voucher amounts, the law seeks to protect low-income families who might otherwise face prohibitive costs. This aligns with the goals of the New Jersey Cares for Kids Program, which aims to provide necessary support to eligible families based on income guidelines.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1656 is aimed at ensuring affordability in child care services for student-parents enrolled in New Jersey higher education institutions. The bill prohibits these institutions from charging student-parents who receive vouchers under the 'New Jersey Cares for Kids Program' an amount that exceeds the value of the voucher. This measure is designed to alleviate the financial burden on families who depend on these vouchers for child care while pursuing their education.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves to support student-parents, discussions may arise about the implications for institutions of higher education. Some stakeholders could express concerns about funding and resources, questioning how colleges and universities will sustain child care services without charging additional fees beyond those covered by the vouchers. Additionally, there may be debates around the operational viability of such programs if they rely solely on state-funded vouchers.

Companion Bills

NJ S3109

Same As Prohibits institution of higher education that provides child care from charging student-parent who receives child care voucher under "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" an amount for child care in excess of voucher amount.

NJ S2403

Carry Over Prohibits institution of higher education that provides child care from charging student-parent who receives child care voucher under "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" an amount for child care in excess of voucher amount.

NJ A4084

Carry Over Prohibits institution of higher education that provides child care from charging student-parent who receives child care voucher under "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" an amount for child care in excess of voucher amount.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2488

Prohibits institution of higher education that provides child care from charging student-parent who receives child care voucher under "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" an amount for child care in excess of voucher amount.

NJ A1640

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to issue vouchers in amount of monthly loan repayment amount for loan borrowers who have child enrolled in Grow NJ Kids-rated child care program.

NJ S3434

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to issue vouchers in amount of monthly loan repayment amount for loan borrowers who have child enrolled in Grow NJ Kids-rated child care program.

NJ A3829

Requires school districts classified as child care deserts to provide preschool education vouchers for certain students.

NJ SB2720

TANF; require DHS to spend maximum allowable amount on child care vouchers.

NJ SB2463

TANF; require DHS to spend maximum allowable amount on child care vouchers.

NJ HB84

Child care; DHS shall transfer to CCDF the first $40 Million of unspent TANF funds from prior FY to be used for child care vouchers.

NJ HB432

Child care; DHS shall transfer to CCDF the first $40 Million of unspent TANF funds from prior FY to be used for child care vouchers.

NJ SB2717

Child care; DHS shall transfer to CCDF the first $40 Million of unspent TANF funds from prior FY to be used for child care vouchers.

NJ SB2465

Child care; DHS shall transfer to CCDF the first $40 Million of unspent TANF funds from prior FY to be used for child care vouchers.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

NJ A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ S1504

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 A2133

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.

TX HB5180

Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.