Higher Eduction

Establishes Private Institution of Higher Education Security Grant Program; appropriates $5 million.

Requires instruction on cybersecurity in grades nine through 12; requires Office of Secretary of Higher Education to develop cybersecurity model curricula; establishes loan redemption programs for individuals in certain cybersecurity occupations.

Allows distributions from NJBEST account to Roth IRA as qualified withdrawals and excludes such distributions from gross income tax.

Requires each institution of higher education to designate student parent liaison.

Grants priority course registration to certain student parents attending institutions of higher education.

Requires institution of higher education to provide victim-centered training to employees who assist student victims of sexual assault.

Requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions that have agreements with online program managers to disclose online program information.

Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.

Creates Task Force on Higher Education Governance and Funding; appropriates $200,000.

Prohibits institution of higher education from entering into sports wagering partnership.

Requires each public institution of higher education to develop menstrual equity plan.

Establishes Teaching Scholars Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Establishes Allied Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program.

Modifies collective Statewide transfer agreement and reverse transfer agreement; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

"Combat to College Act"; grants priority course registration to military service members and veterans attending public institutions of higher education.

Requires tuition aid grant amounts to be equal for students enrolled in independent institutions of higher education and students enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education.

Phases out State tuition aid grants for students enrolled in proprietary institutions of higher education; redirects State tuition aid grant funding for students enrolled in proprietary institutions to summer tuition aid grant program.

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply and develop policy governing use of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies.

Applies provisions of "New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act" to proprietary schools and limits eligibility for State student assistance programs to students enrolled in certain proprietary schools.

Requires proprietary degree-granting institutions to disclose status as for-profit business; requires institution of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institution to disclose accreditation status.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to revoke proprietary school's license to award academic degrees if school fails to achieve certain minimum graduation rates.

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education.

Prohibits public institution of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

Provides that former law enforcement officers who retired due to disability are eligible to receive tuition assistance to attend public institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to confer academic degrees.

Establishes Statewide Skills Academy Network; appropriates $1 million.

Provides for expansion of social services supports at county colleges.

Requires each public institution of higher education to develop food waste reduction program on campus.

Prohibits institution of higher education that provides child care from charging student-parent who receives child care voucher under "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" an amount for child care in excess of voucher amount.

Establishes scholarship program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in field of fusion science.

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

Prohibits institution of higher education from using cultural competency as criteria for consideration in making certain personnel determinations.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to consider combined income of all cosigners on application for participation in New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program.

Establishes New Jersey Center for Study and Prevention of Suicide at Rutgers School of Public Health.

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to require undergraduate students to complete course on climate change.

Prohibits State Board of Education from limiting number of certain two-year college credits that may be applied towards meeting teacher certification requirements.

Requires New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology to establish matching grant program for public research universities that receive certain federal research grants; appropriates $5 million.

Requires degree-seeking students enrolled in public institutions of higher education to receive instruction on American government and civic engagement.

Establishes New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission.

Establishes a gross income tax credit for attendance at New Jersey county colleges.

Directs State Treasurer to debit from State operating aid allocated to public research university amount equal to costs incurred by institution in implementing agreements reached with certain student protestors.

Requires registration of postsecondary education debt creditors; establishes protections for borrowers.

Requires public institution of higher education post bias intimidation statistics; requires governing board to adopt bias intimidation policy.

Confers civil service status on police officers employed by Rutgers University.

Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

Establishes New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship.

Provides veterans with up to 60 credits tuition-free at county college serving county of residence.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to permit certain students to submit monthly expense and resource statement for income verification; requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to impute in-kind support amounts.

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from accepting gifts and donations from foreign adversaries.

Establishes veterinary medicine loan redemption program for certain veterinarians who work in underserved areas for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

Establishes New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship.

Establishes "New Jersey Higher Education Funding Formula Commission."

Requires institution of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises of each athletic facility and student center.

Makes supplemental appropriation of $1.2 million for Community College Opportunity Grant.

Establishes pilot program to provide guidance to students applying for federal financial aid.

Establishes "Minority-Serving State College and University Stabilization Program" in Office of Secretary of Higher Education; appropriates $20 million.

Requires public institution of higher education to provide academic credit for certain examinations.

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

Permits legislative agents and organizations to receive funds assessed on tuition bills as waivable fees.

"Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act"; prohibits distribution of State aid to an institution of higher education that authorizes, funds, or supports antisemitic events or organizations or fails to punish acts of antisemitism on campus.

Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities at county college for certain high school students.

Establishes one-time grant to study and recommend best practices for encouraging youth participation in government.

Requires public institution of higher education to award academic credit to certain volunteer emergency responders.

Allows students to use portion of opportunity grant awards under Educational Opportunity Fund program during summer session.

Establishes "Scientific Conference Grant Program"; appropriates $250,000.

Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

Revises training requirements for governing board members of public institutions of higher education.

Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to include workforce training programs.

Permits educational research and services corporation to act as lead agency or contracting unit for procurement of any goods or services and Public Works.

Requires institution of higher education to adopt policy on use of campus facilities and grounds for camping.

Provides for expansion of social services supports at county colleges.

Encourages institutions of higher education to address lack of representation of Hispanic and Latino leadership in higher education.

Establishes "Supporting Educational and Entrepreneurial Development (S.E.E.D.) Program" in Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

Urges Congress and President to enact "College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act."

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to appoint special auditor to investigate claims of abuse of public funds at public institutions of higher education.

Revises NJBEST one-time grant to annual grant of up to $1,500 for certain contributors.

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for students enrolled in certain private postsecondary educational schools.

Establishes three-year pilot program in DOE to provide certain students with information and assistance regarding federal financial aid application.

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain database of Educational Opportunity Fund student admissions.

Requires access to certain assistive services for students with disabilities at public institutions of higher education.

Establishes Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program; appropriates $5 million.

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

Allows a gross income tax deduction for certain higher education tuition and fee expenses.

Establishes Volunteer First Responders Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

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.

Prohibits institution of higher education from establishing scholarship fund or student assistance program limited to students who are citizens or permanent residents of country or territory controlled by terrorist organization.

Establishes Veterans State Government Fellowship program.

Exempts public institutions of higher education from motor vehicle registration fee.

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

Repeals law that requires funds for legislative agents to be assessed on student tuition bills in certain manner.

Supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiatives in high education and private businesses,

Appropriates $300,000 from General Fund to New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University.

Establishes Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program; supports partnership between public institution of higher education and federal Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative and establishment of Center for Study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena; appropriates $3.5 million.

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

Establishes Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program; supports partnership between public institution of higher education and federal Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative and establishment of Center for Study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena; appropriates $3.5 million.

Requires institution of higher education to collect and report outcomes and earnings data for certain graduates.

Establishes Allied Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program.

Establishes New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act.

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

Provides seniority service credit to educational support professionals for military service.

Urges U.S. Department of Education to include certain degree programs within list of professional degree programs used by federal student loan system.

Establishes various programs to support neurodiverse students at county colleges; appropriates $1.475 million.

Requires each institution of higher education to designate student parent liaison.

Modifies collective Statewide transfer agreement and reverse transfer agreement; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

Permits educational research and services corporation to act as lead agency or contracting unit for procurement of any goods or services and public works.

Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to require undergraduate students to complete course on climate change.

Establishes protections for student-athletes and certain institutions of higher education concerning name, image, or likeness compensation; repeals "New Jersey Fair Play Act."

Establishes employee protections for certain employees of New Jersey City University in event of merger with Kean University.

Grants priority course registration to certain student parents attending institutions of higher education.

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.

Requires Rutgers, the State University to adopt Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy for Students and Student Groups and establish other measures to ensure community safety and academic functions.

Requires public institution of higher education to suspend students and employees charged with bias intimidation under certain circumstances.

Establishes "Higher Education Deferred Maintenance Fund" to provide funding for deferred maintenance needs at public institutions of higher education.

Prohibits institution of higher education from entering into sports wagering partnership.

Repeals law that requires funds for legislative agents to be assessed on student tuition bills in certain manner.

Requires public institution of higher education to readmit student whose enrollment was interrupted due to military service.

Supports Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility initiatives in higher education and private businesses.

Increases tuition credit amount permitted under volunteer tuition credit program.

Requires New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology to establish matching grant program for public research universities that receive certain federal research grants; appropriates $5 million.

Requires access to certain assistive services for students with disabilities at public institutions of higher education.

Requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions that have agreements with online program managers to disclose online program information.

Establishes process to monitor proprietary institution that converts to nonprofit corporation for transactions that constitute private inurement.

Establishes Student Tuition Recovery Fund in Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to compensate students impacted by failing or fraudulent proprietary institutions.

Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than two percent over prior academic year.

Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

Establishes minimum student to employee ratio for calculating State support for employee fringe benefit costs at four-year public institutions of higher education.

Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.

Prohibits institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions from using applications for admission that inquire about applicant's criminal history; establishes "Universal College Application Development Task Force" to develop standard application for admission.

Establishes Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program; appropriates $5 million.

Requires degree-seeking students enrolled in public institutions of higher education to receive instruction on American government and civic engagement.

Revises training requirements for governing board members of public institutions of higher education.

Codifies various centers and programs at Rutgers University - Newark; appropriates $6.5 million.

Prohibits institution of higher education from giving preferential consideration for admission to legacy student.

Establishes New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to develop career and education guide for post secondary students with disabilities.

Establishes veterinary medicine loan redemption program for certain veterinarians who work in underserved areas for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

Establishes loan redemption program for certified veterinarians employed as large animal veterinarians in New Jersey.

Prohibits institution of higher education from establishing scholarship fund or student assistance program limited to students who are citizens or permanent residents of country or territory controlled by terrorist organization.

Prohibits institution of higher education which boycotts or divests from Israel-supporting or Israeli businesses from receiving State funds.

Requires institution of higher education to adopt policy on use of campus facilities and grounds for camping.

Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to include workforce training programs.

Revises NJBEST one-time grant to annual grant of up to $1,500 for certain contributors.

Establishes program to provide free tuition under State Tuition Aid Grant Program to certain students who are accepted to public four-year institutions of higher education and elect to attend county college for first two years.

Establishes "Succeed in New Jersey" student loan reimbursement program for certain New Jersey residents employed in designated fields.

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

Allows students to use portion of opportunity grant awards under Educational Opportunity Fund program during summer session.

Establishes loan redemption program and gross income tax credit for mental health professionals who serve children and adolescents.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to consider combined income of all cosigners on application for participation in New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program.

Revises public institution of higher education annual reporting requirements.

Prohibits institution of higher education from authorizing, funding, or supporting hate speech or antisemitic events and organizations.

Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree nursing programs.

Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs in certain critcal-need applied science fields.

Improves management and administration of New Jersey Better Education Savings Trust program; establishes grants and additional tax incentives for New Jersey Better Education Savings and Trust account contributions; creates New Jersey Better Education Savings and Trust Advisory Council.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to permit certain students to submit monthly expense and resource statement for income verification; requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to impute in-kind support amounts.

Urges Secretary of Higher Education and Educational Opportunity Fund Board to study and modernize program regulations, particularly regulations related to student funding priority levels.

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain database of Educational Opportunity Fund student admissions.

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply and develop policy governing use of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies.

Requires public institution of higher education post bias intimidation statistics; requires governing board to adopt bias intimidation policy.

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than four percent over prior academic year.

Requires public institution of higher education to award academic credit to certain volunteer emergency responders.

Requires textbook publishers to provide public institutions of higher education with information on price and availability of textbooks.

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.

Phases out State tuition aid grants for students enrolled in proprietary institutions.

Requires public institution of higher education to study cost drivers, administrative productivity, organizational structure, space utilization, and faculty productivity.

Allows gross income tax deduction for certain student loan interest.

Establishes Teaching Scholars Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Authorizes Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to award annual summer tuition aid grants.

Removes expected family contribution from calculation of financial need under circumstances in which public institutions of higher education may reduce student's institutional financial aid.

Establishes Volunteer First Responders Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Confers civil service status on police officers employed by Rutgers University.

Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

Requires institution of higher education to provide victim-centered training to employees who assist student victims of sexual assault.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to appoint special auditor to investigate claims of abuse of public funds at public institutions of higher education.

Amends State college law to remove certain employees from civil service system and allow boards of trustees to conduct collective bargaining.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.

Exempts public institutions of higher education from motor vehicle registration fee.

Provides tax credits to companies contributing to loan and loan redemption program for residents who attend institutions of higher education in State and work at such company upon graduation.

Establishes Commission on Oversight of Public Institutions of Higher Education.

Requires campus diversity actions at public institutions of higher education and directs Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights to develop guidance regarding diversity in faculty search and selection process.

Establishes "Scientific Conference Grant Program"; appropriates $250,000.

Provides veterans with up to 60 credits tuition-free at county college serving county of residence.

Permits legislative agents and organizations to receive funds assessed on tuition bills as waivable fees.

Establishes New Jersey Center for Study and Prevention of Suicide at Rutgers School of Public Health.

Establishes one-time grant to study and recommend best practices for encouraging youth participation in government.

Urges Congress and President to enact "College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act."

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

Appropriates $300,000 from General Fund to New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University.

"Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

Urges Congress to amend tax code to exclude all forms of discharged student loans from federal income tax.

Requires institutions of higher education to adopt affirmative consent standard and other policies regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

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.

Eliminates US citizenship requirement for student representatives on boards of trustees of certain public institutions of higher education.

Establishes gross income tax credit for full-time tuition cost at certain New Jersey institutions of post-secondary education.

Adjusts bid threshold amounts for certain public research universities; permits certain contracts for school districts, municipalities, and counties to be awarded by qualified purchasing agent.

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.

Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

Urges President and Congress of United States to enact student loan forgiveness program for teachers in military-impacted communities.

Establishes scholarship program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in field of fusion science.

Establishes Veterans State Government Fellowship program.

Concerns New Jersey Civic Information Consortium.

Removes expected family contribution from calculation of financial need under circumstances in which public institutions of higher education may reduce student's institutional financial aid.

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

Adjusts bid threshold amounts for certain public research universities; permits certain contracts for school districts, municipalities, and counties to be awarded by qualified purchasing agent.

Modifies Nursing Faculty Loan Redemption Program.

Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

Requires public institution of higher education to establish gambling addiction prevention program.

Commemorates 100th anniversary of Rowan University.

Requires institutions of higher education to adopt environmental sustainability plan.

Establishes New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship.

Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.

Provides for merger of Bloomfield College with Montclair State University; expands powers and property of Montclair State University; and expands State college risk management group.

Requires institutions of higher education to implement suicide prevention programs and raise awareness of mental health services.

Establishes Teaching Scholars Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Establishes New Jersey Student Educator Tuition Remission Program.

Expands Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include career and technical education programs at county colleges and county vocational schools.

Prohibits State Board of Education from limiting number of certain two-year college credits that may be applied towards meeting teacher certification requirements.

Urges Congress and President to enact "College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act."

Requires clinic connected with dental school at public institution of higher education to give priority to 100 percent disabled veterans.

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide menstrual products in all campus buildings; appropriates $85,000 from General Fund to Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

Prohibits institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions from withholding transcript due to outstanding student account balance; establishes penalties for noncompliance.

Requires institutions of higher education to compile and report success in meeting performance metrics.

Requires annual report on New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program to include information on borrower delinquency and administrative wage garnishments.

Amends State college law to remove certain employees from civil service system and allow boards of trustees to conduct collective bargaining.

Requires public institution of higher education to post certain information on institution's website.

Redirects $300 million in certain federal funds under FY 2023 appropriations act to create competitive capital project grant program in Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

Establishes veterinary medicine loan redemption program for certain veterinarians who work in underserved areas for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to appoint special auditor to investigate claims of abuse of public funds at public institutions of higher education.

Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring students to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

Imposes five-year moratorium on new construction at public institutions of higher education.

Revises eligibility for Educational Opportunity Fund grants and campus-based Educational Opportunity Fund programs.

Establishes loan redemption programs for certain veterinarians practicing in the State.

"Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit Act"; establishes gross income tax credit of up to $5,000 for certain student loan payments and makes an appropriation.

Establishes fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions; requires employer pay for health care benefits for certain part-time faculty.

Authorizes student attending institution of higher education to earn credit towards graduation for serving as poll worker.

Requires public institutions of higher education to adopt test-optional admissions policy.

Commemorates 50th anniversary of Pell Grant program.

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

Establishes loan redemption program and gross income tax credit for mental health professionals who serve children and adolescents.

Increases age of dependent for whom gross income tax exemption for higher education expenses may be claimed from under 22 years to under 27 years.

Requires public institutions of higher education to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans and members of the military.

Establishes scholarship program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in field of fusion science.

Urges President and Congress of United States to continue federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Establishes Veterans State Government Fellowship program.

Requires institutions of higher education to provide greater assistance to certain students with military obligations.

Requires public institutions of higher education to waive tuition and fees for Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Medal military recipients.

Requires membership of boards of trustees of State colleges and universities and county colleges to include two college employees.

Establishes New Jersey Center for Study and Prevention of Suicide at Rutgers School of Public Health.

Prohibits institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions from using applications for admission that inquire about applicant's criminal history; establishes "Universal College Application Development Task Force" to develop standard application for admission.

Permits county improvement authorities to establish student loan refinancing loan programs.

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to suspend accrual of interest on certain New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program loans in deferment or forbearance.

Urges Congress to pass resolution condemning violence against historically Black colleges and universities.

Establishes New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission.

Makes supplemental appropriation of $3.5 million for Community College Opportunity Grant - Adult Postsecondary Career and Technical Education.

Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities at county college for certain high school students.

Requires public colleges to adopt policy for prevention and treatment of exertional heat illness; requires pamphlet on heat stroke be provided to student-athletes, parents, and coaches at public colleges and K-12 schools.

Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance.

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than 4 percent over the prior academic year.

Establishes "Minority-Serving State College and University Stabilization Program" in Office of Secretary of Higher Education; appropriates $20 million.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to revoke proprietary school's license to award academic degrees if school fails to achieve certain minimum graduation rates.

Appropriates $300,000 from General Fund to New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University.

Requires proprietary degree-granting institutions to disclose status as for-profit businesses and requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions to disclose accreditation status.

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

Establishes pilot program to provide guidance to students applying for federal financial aid.

Provides that former law enforcement officers who retired due to disability are eligible to receive tuition assistance to attend public institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to confer academic degrees.

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for students enrolled in certain private postsecondary educational schools.

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain database of Educational Opportunity Fund student admissions.

Requires public institutions of higher education to submit proposed tuition and fees for upcoming academic year to Secretary of Higher Education for review.

Establishes commission to advise Secretary of Higher Education on students' issues of concern.

Urges Secretary of Higher Education and Educational Opportunity Fund Board to study and modernize program regulations, particularly regulations related to student funding priority levels.

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

Allows gross income tax deduction for certain student loan interest.

Requires post-secondary educational institutions to collect and report employment data for certain graduates.

Requires online program manager providing marketing services for institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to offer academic degrees to self-identify as third party to prospective students.

Provides tax credits to companies contributing to loan and loan redemption program for residents who attend institutions of higher education in State and work at such company upon graduation.

Removes Selective Service registration as requirement for eligibility under State student financial aid programs.

Makes $5 million in federal funds available to Stockton University to support North Athletic Complex project.

Establishes Direct Support Professional Career Development Program; appropriates $1,000,000.

Expands bonding authority of New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority to permit financing for general funding needs of New Jersey's institutions of higher education.

Establishes loan redemption program for teachers in certain fields to redeem loan amounts received under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program through employment in certain low performing schools.

Allows a gross income tax deduction for certain higher education tuition and fee expenses.

Establishes "Manufacturing Workforce Development Grant Program" for students enrolled at county colleges.

Requires president of public institution of higher education to regularly report on-campus criminal and fire events to the institution's governing board.

Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

Establishes Volunteer Emergency Responder Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs in certain critcal-need applied science fields.

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

Eliminates US citizenship requirement for student representatives on boards of trustees of certain public institutions of higher education.

Requires institutions of higher education to provide certain student loan information.

Requires institutions of higher education to provide students with access to mental health care programs and services and to establish a hotline to provide information concerning the availability of those services.

Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Requires institutions of higher education to implement suicide prevention programs and raise awareness of mental health services.

Authorizes student attending institution of higher education to earn credit towards graduation for serving as poll worker.

Exempts proprietary institution licensed to offer academic degrees that has operated in State for at least 25 years from requirement to provide teach-out plan in event of potential closure.

Requires financial aid award letter provided by institutions of higher education and certain proprietary schools be consistent with financial aid shopping sheet.

Requires institutions of higher education to provide graduating students with information on income-contingent student loan repayment programs.

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

Requires instruction on cybersecurity in grades nine through 12; requires Office of Secretary of Higher Education to develop cybersecurity model curricula; establishes loan redemption programs for individuals in certain cybersecurity occupations.

Establishes Kean University as public urban research university.

Requires certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline.

Provides that public institutions of higher education may only reduce student's institutional financial aid upon receipt of private scholarship under certain circumstances.

Establishes annual grant program to recognize institutions of higher education that offer comprehensive array of veteran programs and services.

Establishes task force to evaluate quality, efficacy, costs, and educational outcomes of online courses offered by public and independent institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions during COVID-19 pandemic.

Establishes study commission to examine development of mutually beneficial relationships between institutions of higher education and municipalities.

Revises effective date of "New Jersey Fair Play Act."

Requires online program manager providing marketing services for institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to offer academic degrees to self-identify as third party to prospective students.

Requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions that have agreements with online program managers to disclose online program information.

Concerns subcontracting agreements entered into by four-year public institutions of higher education.

Urges Congress to address in future federal higher education stimulus legislation inequities in incorporation of part-time and online learning students in formula calculation.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to develop career and education guide for postsecondary students disabilities.

Allows student enrolled in institution of higher education who has completed 30 semester-hour credits to serve as substitute teacher; extends time period substitute teacher may serve during public health emergency.

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to develop guidance for institutions of higher education to identify cultural barriers in recruitment and retention of underrepresented students for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.

Makes FY 2021 supplemental appropriation of $100,000 to Rutgers, The State University - New Brunswick for Weinberg Scholars Program.

Eliminates eligibility of postsecondary students and other individuals for State student assistance, training, and employment services if school or training provider requires student to consent to arbitration agreement or proceeding or to waive certain rights.

Extends eligibility for NJ STARS Program to students academically ranked in top third of class.

Establishes New Jersey Veteran Grant Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Requires registration of private education lenders; establishes protections for private education borrowers.

Establishes requirements for closures of private career schools and institutions of higher education, modifies review process of new academic programs, and requires approval of branch campuses.

Establishes Community College Opportunity Grant Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to provide last-dollar financial aid grants to county college students and Student Success Incentive funding to county colleges.

Requires public colleges to adopt policy for prevention and treatment of exertional heat illness; requires pamphlet on heat stroke be provided to student-athletes, parents, and coaches at public colleges and K-12 schools.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to permit certain students to submit monthly expense and resource statement for income verification; requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to impute in-kind support amounts.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to study prevalence, cost, and quality of certain on-line courses compared to traditional classroom courses offered by institutions of higher education.

Requires institution of higher education to provide victim-centered training to employees who assist student victims of sexual assault.

Allows certain students who hold T, U, or O visa to qualify for in-State tuition and allows students who hold T or U visa to qualify for student financial aid.

Provides that former law enforcement officers who retired due to disability are eligible to receive tuition assistance to attend public institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to confer academic degrees.

Limits responsibility of institutions of higher education to refund tuition for in-person instruction cancelled due to COVID-19 under certain conditions; limits additional fees institutions may charge for virtual instruction to actual additional costs.

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

Requires parent to provide completed financial aid application to Higher Education Student Assistance Authority if parent's dependent applies to State for student financial aid.

Requires Secretary of Higher Education's approval for certain branch campuses; establishes fiscal monitoring and closure policies for independent institutions of higher education; modifies review process for new higher education academic programs.

Requires institutions of higher education and private career schools to provide on website employment data of graduates; requires DOLWD to compile certain employment information.

Establishes New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission.

Makes various changes to tenure of faculty and other professional staff at State and county colleges.

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to suspend administrative wage garnishment, certain judicial proceedings, and payments on certain New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students loans during COVID-19 state of emergency.

Requires Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with various entities, to design a manufacturing career pathway to provide students with skills necessary to gain employment in manufacturing sector.

Adds two student representatives to board of governors of Rutgers University.

"Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to suspend accrual of interest on certain New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program loans in deferment or forbearance.

Requires county colleges and four-year public institutions of higher education to award college credits to police officers for certain courses completed at county police academies.

Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree nursing programs.

Requires institutions of higher education to compile and report success in meeting performance metrics.

Requires public institution of higher education to post information and provide counseling to students about New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education.

Appropriates total of $160,000 from General Fund to Rutgers University-Camden and Rutgers University-Newark to establish Civic Leadership Summer Program.

Establishes gross income tax credit and corporation business tax credit for student loan payments.

Amends Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations act to expand eligibility under Community College Opportunity Grant program to certain volunteer emergency responders, regardless of income.

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for students enrolled in certain private postsecondary educational schools.

Requires institutions of higher education to post information on sexual assaults on website and provide information to prospective students.

Establishes program to provide free tuition under State Tuition Aid Grant Program to certain students who are accepted to public four-year institutions of higher education and elect to attend county college for first two years.

Phases out State tuition aid grants for students enrolled in proprietary institutions.

Requires public institutions of higher education to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans and members of the military.

Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to part-time undergraduates.

Prohibits academic degree-granting institutions from entering into revenue sharing arrangements with financial institutions for consumer financial products or services and regulates consumer financial products or services marketed to students.

Requires textbook publishers to provide public institutions of higher education with information on price and availability of textbooks.

Establishes gross income tax credit for full-time tuition cost at certain New Jersey institutions of post-secondary education.

Applies provisions of "New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act" to proprietary schools and limits eligibility for State student assistance programs to students enrolled in certain proprietary schools.

Permits students at public institutions of higher education to donate unused meal plan funds to emergency meal fund for distribution to New Jersey food banks.

Requires post-secondary educational institutions to collect and report employment data for certain graduates.

Allows gross income tax deduction for employees for amounts paid by employers for certain educational assistance programs for employees and for employees' student loans.

Allows dependent students whose parents or guardians hold H-1B visas to qualify for in-State tuition at public institutions of higher education provided they meet certain criteria. *

Eliminates eligibility time limit on tuition benefits for spouses of certain public safety workers killed in performance of their duties.

"Higher Education Citizenship Equality Act;" defines domicile for dependent students for purpose of eligibility for State student grants and scholarships, and resident tuition rate.*

"Combat to College Act"; grants priority course registration to military service members and veterans attending public institutions of higher education.

"Madison Holleran Proper Reporting Act"; requires institutions of higher education to post information on student suicides and attempted suicides on website.

Permits four-year institution of higher education to award associate degrees.

Requires governing boards of public institutions of higher education to adopt tuition and fee schedules for ensuing academic year during Spring semester after issuance of Governor's recommended budget.

Amends State college law to remove certain employees from civil service system and allow boards of trustees to conduct collective bargaining.

Allows gross income tax deductions for contributions to NJBEST program and provides distributions from qualified State tuition programs for K-12 expenses are not qualified withdrawals under gross income tax.

Requires New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority to annually prepare report on debt held by public institutions of higher education.

Concerns for-profit post-secondary educational institutions.

Increases age of dependent for whom gross income tax exemption for higher education expenses may be claimed from under 22 years to under 25 years.

Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education for dependents of certain veterans.

Establishes Gold Star Family Scholarship Program; appropriates $100,000 from General Fund to Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Makes Fiscal Year 2020 supplemental appropriation of $250,000 to Rutgers University - New Brunswick for School of Dental Medicine - Special Care Treatment Center.

Requires students at institutions of higher education to receive immunization for meningitis in accordance with recommendations of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.*

"Combat to College Act"; grants priority course registration to military service members and veterans attending public institutions of higher education.

Establishes Campus Sexual Assault Commission.

Permits incarcerated persons to receive student financial aid.

Requires four-year public institution of higher education to award college credits to firefighters for certain courses completed at county fire academies.

"Combat to College Act"; grants priority course registration to military service members and veterans attending public institutions of higher education.

Amends Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations act to expand eligibility under Community College Opportunity Grant program to certain volunteer emergency responders, regardless of income.

Provides that New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust (NJBEST) Program scholarship may be awarded in any semester of attendance or enrollment at institution of higher education in State.

Requires institutions of higher education to distribute information on availability of allowance for dependent care expenses in determination of cost of attendance.

Applies provisions of "New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act" to proprietary schools and Independent institutions of higher education and limits eligibility for State student assistance programs.*

Provides resident tuition rate to certain non-resident dependent children of United States military personnel attending public institutions of higher education.

Requires public institutions of higher education to review employment history of certain prospective employees to ascertain allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault.

Appropriates total of $160,000 from General Fund to Rutgers University-Camden and Rutgers University-Newark to establish Civic Leadership Summer Program.

Provides for establishment of county college certificate programs to meet needs of certain regional employers.

Provides for appointment of Student Loan Ombudsman and regulates student loan servicers.*

Clarifies that certain students are eligible for NJ STARS and NJ STARS II scholarship upon initial enrollment at institution of higher education on part-time basis.

Provides for establishment of county college certificate programs to meet needs of certain regional employers.

Concerns for-profit post-secondary educational institutions.

Urges Congress to enact legislation allowing distributions from 529 plans to be used for expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs.*

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.*

Establishes Work Ready New Jersey Scholarship Program.

Requires public institutions of higher education to temporarily suspend collection of tuition and other payments from students impacted by shutdown of federal government.

Establishes Repayment Assistance Program and Household Income Affordable Repayment Plan for borrowers of New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program.

Opposes sale of Westminster Choir College to Chinese government-owned company Beijing Kaiwen Education Technology.

Provides that student is ineligible for State financial aid upon conviction for hazing.

Permits students at public institutions of higher education to donate unused meal plan funds to emergency meal fund for distribution to New Jersey food banks.

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by campus medical professional or trained employee.

Establishes certain requirements concerning search process for candidates for appointment to county college board of trustees and membership of trustee search committee.

Requires institutions of higher education to use procedures in response to allegations of sexual harassment that are consistent with certain federal guidance and to report incidence of sexual assault.

Establishes pilot program to provide guidance to students applying for federal financial aid.

Requires institution of higher education to report allegation of sexual misconduct by health care professional to licensing board for investigation.

Establishes New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission.

Authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to impose a fine against an institution of higher education that fails to appropriately respond to a student's allegation of sexual assault by another student.

Requires parent to provide financial information to Higher Education Student Assistance Authority if parent's dependent applies to State for student financial aid.

Establishes New Jersey Civic Information Consortium.*

Establishes a gross income tax credit for attendance at New Jersey county colleges.

Allows gross income tax deductions for contributions to the NJBEST program and provides distributions from qualified State tuition programs for K-12 expenses are not qualified withdrawals under gross income tax.*

Requires certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline.

Revises standards for contracting at State colleges to mirror standards applicable to public research universities.

Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs in certain critcal-need applied science fields.

Allows gross income tax deduction for employees for amounts paid by employers for certain educational assistance programs for employees and for employee's student loans.

Allows certain students including undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria to qualify for State student financial aid programs.

Requires members of governing boards of public institutions of higher education to complete training program when review by Middle States Commission on Higher Education indicates governance deficiencies.

Requires public institutions of higher education to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans and members of the military.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to establish income-driven repayment option and loan rehabilitation program for borrowers under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program.

Phases out State tuition aid grants for students enrolled in proprietary institutions.

Permits county improvement authorities to establish student loan refinancing loan programs.

Allows gross income tax deductions for contributions to the New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust (NJBEST) Program.

Establishes Gold Star Family Scholarship Program; appropriates $100,000 from General Fund to Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Prohibits institution of higher education that provides child care from charging student-parent who receives child care voucher under "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" an amount for child care in excess of voucher amount.

Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education to New Jersey residents who are members of reserve component of Armed Forces of United States.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to establish repayment assistance program for borrowers under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program who suffer material loss of income.

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than 4% over the prior academic year.

Urges National Collegiate Athletic Association to strictly enforce college football rules prohibiting contact by or to a player's head or helmet to help ensure player safety.

Requires textbook publishers to provide public institutions of higher education with information on price and availability of textbooks.

Requires public institution of higher education to post on website information concerning cost, purpose, and benefit to students when institution conducts advertising campaign.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

Requires post-secondary educational institutions to collect and report employment data for certain graduates.

Establishes "Higher Education Manufacturing Grant Program" for public institutions of higher education to establish or expand programs in manufacturing fields.

Adds two student representatives to board of governors of Rutgers University.

Requires institutions of higher education to post information on sexual assaults on website and provide the information to prospective students.

Requires public and independent institutions of higher education to collect and report employment data for certain graduates.

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to have one veteran coordinator for every 200 veteran students; requires veteran coordinator to work with DMVA to ensure veterans have access to all available services.

Requires security guards at institutions of higher education which do not employ police officers to immediately report crimes committed on campus to the local police department.

Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree nursing programs.

Provides that student enrolled in theology or divinity degree program may qualify for tuition aid grant if institution of higher education determines student is not candidate for ministry.

Requires New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority to annually prepare report on debt held by public institutions of higher education.

Limits term of board of trustee member at public institution of higher education to four years; limits trustee to no more than two terms; provides for trustee removal from board for missing three consecutive meetings.

Requires public institution of higher education to maintain minimum level of reserves established by Secretary of Higher Education.

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

Excludes retirement income from consideration in making determination for eligibility for tuition aid grant and provides gross income tax credit to taxpayers who claim certain dependents.

Requires public institution of higher education to offer course on stress management.

Directs State Auditor to conduct performance review audits of public institutions of higher education.

Provides gross income tax credit for certain contributions to New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust (NJBEST) program.

Establishes task force to determine feasibility of creating New Jersey Marine Science Institute in Atlantic County-Cape May County region.

Directs four-year public institutions of higher education to develop plan to achieve six-year graduation rate of at least 70 percent for full-time undergraduate students by 2022-2023 academic year.

Increases number of State-funded positions at four-year public institution of higher education that establishes postsecondary academic and residential facilities in coastal city with gaming in resort area of State.

Excludes amount of certain early withdrawals from qualified retirement plans in determination by Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of applicant's eligibility for and amount of State tuition aid grant.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to establish repayment assistance program for borrowers under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program who suffer material loss of income.

Establishes Office of Student Loan Ombudsman; regulates student loan servicers.

Requires public institutions of higher education to allow students, faculty, and other staff to identify sexual orientation and gender identity on any forms used to collect certain demographic data.

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

Excludes retirement income from consideration in making determination for eligibility for tuition aid grant and provides gross income tax credit to taxpayers who claim certain dependents.

Urges Congress to ensure continued relationship between Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and United States Department of Education.

Establishes scholarship program to provide free tuition to certain eligible students attending New Jersey public institutions of higher education.

Establishes Edison Innovation Science and Technology Fund in EDA to provide grants for certain science and technology-based university research; appropriates $5 million.

Repeals law suspending certain licenses, registrations and certifications for failure to repay student loans.

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to provide annual New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program report to Governor and Legislature and develop student loan comparison information document to increase program transparency.

Restricts eligibility for borrowing through New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program to students attending in-State institutions of higher education.

Requires public institution of higher education to offer course on stress management.

Repeals law suspending certain licenses, registrations and certifications for failure to repay student loans.

Prohibits person from buying, selling, making or altering, giving, issuing, obtaining or attempting to obtain high school transcripts with intent to deceive and establishes penalty.

Establishes "Succeed in New Jersey" student loan reimbursement program for certain New Jersey residents employed in designated fields.

Appropriates $3,565,000 from General Fund to Department of State for Educational Opportunity Fund Programs.

Urges AG to take legal action against Navient for damaging and deceptive student loan practices.

Provides for establishment of county college certificate programs to meet needs of certain regional employers.

Establishes task force to determine feasibility of creating New Jersey Marine Science Institute in Atlantic County-Cape May County region.

Directs four-year public institutions of higher education to develop plan to achieve six-year graduation rate of at least 70 percent for full-time undergraduate students by 2022-2023 academic year.

Prohibits four-year public institutions of higher education from increasing New Jersey resident undergraduate tuition and fees above certain percentages.

Concerns for-profit post-secondary educational institutions.

Removes exclusion of "nonimmigrant aliens" from qualifying for in-State tuition rates at public institutions of higher education under certain conditions.

Establishes Garden State Young Farmers Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Requires public institution of higher education to maintain minimum level of reserves established by Secretary of Higher Education.

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

Establishes "College Credit Requirement Commission" to examine academic credit requirements for associate and baccalaureate degree programs and academic majors at New Jersey's institutions of higher education.

Requires four-year institutions of higher education to offer accelerated three-year baccalaureate degree programs.

Requires institutions of higher education to develop open textbook plan.*

Establishes Dual Enrollment Study Commission.*

Allows gross income tax deduction for certain student loan interest.

Establishes Firearm Violence Research Center at Rutgers, The State University.

Allows gross income tax deductions for certain contributions to NJBEST college tuition savings program.

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water and disclose test results.

Requires county colleges to develop plan to achieve three-year graduation rate of at least 33 percent for full-time degree-program students by 2021-2022 academic year.

Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunity at county college for certain high school students.

Establishes program to provide free tuition under State Tuition Aid Grant Program to certain students who are accepted to public four-year institutions of higher education and elect to attend county college for first two years.

Urges Internal Revenue Service to undertake public awareness campaign regarding fraudulent scheme involving nonexistent "federal student tax."