NJ A1625

Prohibits New Jersey higher education institutions from establishing scholarship funds or student assistance programs exclusively for students who are citizens or permanent residents of countries or territories controlled by U.S. State Department-designated foreign terrorist organizations.

Institutions violating this prohibition would lose eligibility for State operating aid, proceeds from State-supported revenue bonds issued by the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, and State general obligation bond proceeds.

Violating institutions would also be barred from receiving State student assistance or scholarship program funds distributed through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

The bill responds to Rutgers University-New Brunswick's 2024 agreement with student protesters to accept 10 displaced Gazan students on scholarship following campus encampments related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Pre-filed for introduction in the 2026 legislative session, sponsored by Assemblyman Sean T. Kean (District 30, Monmouth and Ocean counties) with five co-sponsors.