NJ S5024

Establishes the State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) as New Jersey's centralized repository for education, workforce, and related data to inform evidence-based policymaking and improve employment outcomes

Creates an SLDS Governing Board comprising the Commissioner of Education, Secretary of Higher Education, Executive Director of Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, and the John J. Heldrich Center Executive Director (non-voting)

Requires data contributions from the Department of Education, Office of Secretary of Higher Education, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with the Motor Vehicle Commission serving as intermediary for data linkage

Mandates data security certification by National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST), compliance with FERPA, and release of only aggregate-level de-identified data to approved researchers

Appropriates $2,000,000 annually to the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University to maintain and operate the system, with annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature