Bill
Bill > S4990
NJ S4990
NJ S4990Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to issue vouchers in amount of monthly loan repayment amount for loan borrowers who have child enrolled in Grow NJ Kids-rated child care program.
summary
Introduced
12/15/2025
12/15/2025
In Committee
12/15/2025
12/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes a Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program within the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Grow NJ Kids is New Jersey's quality rating improvement system designed to raise the quality of child care and early learning programs. Under the bill, the authority will issue vouchers to eligible borrowers in the amount of the principal monthly loan repayment amount for an eligible borrower who has a child enrolled in an approved program. The bill defines an "approved program" as a licensed child care center, a school- or center-based preschool program, a Head Start program, or a registered family child care provider which has achieved a Grow NJ Kids rating of at least three. The bill provides that the State will appropriate such amounts as may be necessary to offset the loan principal amounts provided through the vouchers authorized under the program. In order to be eligible to participate in the program, an applicant must:· be a resident of the State;· provide evidence of his child's enrollment in an approved program;· submit an application to participate in the program to the authority in a time and manner as determined by the authority; · have an individual annual income of no greater than $75,000 or a combined household income of no greater than $150,000; and· satisfy any additional criteria the authority may establish. Under the bill, the authority will provide:· each licensed child care center, school- or center-based preschool program, Head Start program, or registered family child care provider with information on the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program; and· information on the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program to the general public through the authority's website and through other relevant outreach to loan borrowers as determined by the authority. The bill requires an approved program to publicize the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program within their facility, on their websites, and through any other relevant communications to individuals, as deemed appropriate by the approved program.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, which provides financial assistance to student loan borrowers who have children enrolled in high-quality child care programs. Specifically, eligible participants who are New Jersey residents with annual incomes up to $75,000 individually or $150,000 combined can receive monthly vouchers equal to their student loan principal repayment amount, provided their child is enrolled in a child care center, preschool, Head Start program, or family child care provider that has achieved at least a three-star rating in the Grow NJ Kids quality rating system. The program requires participants to sign a contract with the authority and immediately report any changes in their child's enrollment or program status, such as disenrollment or transferring to a lower-rated program. The bill mandates that the authority provide information about the program to child care providers and the public, and requires approved programs to publicize the voucher opportunity. The State will appropriate the necessary funds to offset the loan principal amounts covered by the vouchers, with the goal of supporting both student loan borrowers and encouraging participation in high-quality early childhood education programs.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 12/15/2025)
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/S4990 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4990_I1.HTM |
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