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Bill > S2361


NJ S2361

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


summary

Introduced
03/21/2022
In Committee
03/21/2022
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2024

Introduced Session

2022-2023 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes the Gold Star Family Scholarship Program in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). Under the program, a spouse, child, parent, guardian, or sibling of an individual who served in the Armed Forces of the United States or National Guard and lost his life while on active duty would be eligible to receive a scholarship to attend an institution of higher education. HESAA would be responsible for establishing eligibility criteria, and determining the amount of each scholarship award after considering the cost of attendance at the institution of higher education and other federal and State assistance for which the individual is eligible. An individual scholarship award may not exceed the average tuition charged at the four-year public institutions of higher education in the State. HESAA will award scholarships using money in the Gold Star Family Scholarship Fund created under the bill. The bill establishes an annual $2 surcharge on personalized license plates, the proceeds of which will be deposited into the fund. It also provides for a designation on the State gross income tax return that permits a taxpayer to make voluntary contributions to the fund. Last, the bill appropriates $100,000 to the fund.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Gold Star Family Scholarship Program in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). The program provides scholarships for the spouses, children, parents, guardians, or siblings of individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard and lost their lives while on active duty. HESAA will determine eligibility criteria and scholarship amounts, which cannot exceed the average tuition at four-year public institutions in New Jersey. The bill creates the Gold Star Family Scholarship Fund, which will be funded by a $2 surcharge on personalized license plates, voluntary contributions on state tax returns, and a $100,000 appropriation from the General Fund. The program aims to provide financial assistance for higher education to members of Gold Star families.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 03/21/2022)

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