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Bill > S4788
NJ S4788
NJ S4788Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to require undergraduate students to complete course on climate change.
summary
Introduced
10/27/2025
10/27/2025
In Committee
10/27/2025
10/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the governing board of a four-year public institution of higher education to adopt a policy requiring a full-time undergraduate student to complete a course on climate change prior to graduating from the institution. The purpose of the policy is to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to confront the urgent global challenge of climate change. The bill requires that the policy identifies numerous courses offered by the institution across multiple disciplines that may satisfy the requirement, including upper-level courses that dedicate at least 30 percent of their content toward climate change and which provide instruction on climate change in students' respective fields of study. Under the bill, the policy is to apply to students who first enroll in the institution on or after the bill's effective date.
AI Summary
This bill requires the governing boards of four-year public higher education institutions in New Jersey to implement a policy mandating that full-time undergraduate students complete a course on climate change before graduation. The policy aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to address the global climate change challenge, and must include multiple course options across various academic disciplines. Specifically, the policy must identify courses—including upper-level courses that dedicate at least 30 percent of their content to climate change—that provide instruction on climate change relevant to students' fields of study. The requirement will apply to students who first enroll in the institution on or after the bill's effective date, ensuring that new and future students gain comprehensive understanding of climate change across different academic perspectives. The bill's ultimate goal is to create a more informed and prepared student body that can actively engage with and potentially help solve climate-related global challenges.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 10/27/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4788 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4788_I1.HTM |
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