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Bill > S1265


NJ S1265

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


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 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). Under the program, spouses, children, parents, guardians, or siblings of service members who lost their lives while on active duty would be eligible for scholarships to attend institutions of higher education. HESAA will set the eligibility criteria and award amounts, which cannot exceed the average tuition at four-year public colleges in the state. The bill creates the Gold Star Family Scholarship Fund to finance the program, funded by a $2 surcharge on personalized license plates, voluntary tax contributions, and other sources. It also appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the HESAA to establish the program.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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