New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2424

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Prohibits public institution of higher education from charging tuition to student who is dependent child of veteran who died or is disabled as result of service-related injury.

Impact

If enacted, S2424 will significantly impact state laws related to educational tuition and benefits for veterans' dependents. The bill mandates that the State of New Jersey will reimburse public higher education institutions for the costs associated with this tuition waiver, thereby encouraging educational institutions to participate in this program. Moreover, the bill also reinforces the commitment of the state to support military families, potentially increasing their access to higher education and improving overall educational outcomes for this demographic.

Summary

Senate Bill S2424 aims to alleviate the financial burden on dependent children of veterans who have either died, are missing in action, or are totally and permanently disabled due to service-related injuries. The bill proposes that these dependent children shall be entitled to up to 60 credit hours of tuition-free enrollment for an associate degree and up to 120 credit hours for a baccalaureate degree at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. This initiative not only recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans but also seeks to support their families in pursuing higher education without the barrier of tuition fees.

Contention

Despite its noble intentions, S2424 may face scrutiny regarding its funding and the implications of requiring institutions to accommodate the bill's provisions within their operational budgets. There may be discussions concerning the adequacy of state reimbursements to public institutions and whether such financial support can be sustainably maintained. Additionally, the requirement that dependent children must apply for all available federal and state educational benefits could raise questions about the accessibility of the education system for these individuals, especially if they encounter bureaucratic hurdles in receiving such benefits.

Companion Bills

NJ S870

Carry Over Prohibits public institution of higher education from charging tuition to student who is dependent child of veteran who died or is disabled as result of service-related injury.

NJ A3214

Carry Over Prohibits public institution of higher education from charging tuition to student who is dependent child of veteran who died or is disabled as result of service-related injury.

NJ A3795

Same As Prohibits public institution of higher education from charging tuition to student who is dependent child of veteran who died or is disabled as result of service-related injury.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

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NJ A2359

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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.

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.

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

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.