NJ A1326

Establishes a 13-member Task Force on Higher Education Governance and Funding to examine New Jersey's higher education system, including its organization, governance, and funding mechanisms.

Task force membership includes the Secretary of Higher Education, the Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, two appointees each from the Senate President and Assembly Speaker, and seven Governor appointees representing public research universities, state colleges, county colleges, independent institutions, and labor unions.

Requires the task force to analyze State operating aid as a percentage of public institution budgets since fiscal year 2000, review the impact of abolishing the Department of Higher Education in 1994, and assess how institutions meet workforce needs.

Task force must organize within 60 days of enactment, hold at least one public hearing within six months, and issue a final report with recommendations within one year.

Appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to support task force operations, including hiring external consultants and subject matter experts.