NJ A2469

Public institutions of higher education in New Jersey must award academic credit to undergraduate students who serve as volunteer emergency responders with volunteer fire companies, first aid/rescue/ambulance squads, or county/municipal Office of Emergency Management

Volunteer service must be performed within five years before enrollment or concurrently with enrollment, and students must provide proof of volunteer hours and hold appropriate certifications

Academic credit awarded must be commensurate with the number of volunteer hours served and applied toward relevant coursework at the institution

The Secretary of Higher Education is required to develop credit recommendations for institutions to follow when awarding this academic credit

The bill does not require institutions to admit students or waive admission standards; it takes effect immediately and applies to the first full academic year following enactment