Bill
Bill > S2016
NJ S2016
NJ S2016Requires public institutions of higher education to adopt test-optional admissions policy.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the governing board of each public institution of higher education to adopt a test-optional admissions policy that allows for, but does not require, the submission of standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT, in a student's application to an undergraduate program of the institution. Under the bill, a public institution of higher education is authorized to utilize a standardized testing requirement to determine admission to the institution for an undergraduate program for any applicant who:· received equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school for two or more years during the grades nine through 12; · is applying to an honors or specialized program of the institution; or · is applying for any State student grants and scholarships, federal student grants and scholarships, or institutional merit-based grants or scholarships, for which standardized test scores are required. The bill specifies that its provisions do not prohibit a public institution of higher education from considering an applicant's standardized test scores to determine admission to an undergraduate program for an applicant who voluntarily submits the test scores for consideration. The bill encourages independent institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to similarly adopt a test-optional admissions policy that allows for, but does not require, the submission of standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT, in a student's application to an undergraduate program of the institution.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the governing boards of all public colleges and universities in the state must implement a "test-optional" admissions policy, meaning students applying for undergraduate programs will not be required to submit standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT, though they can still choose to do so voluntarily. However, public institutions can still require these test scores for admission in specific cases, such as for applicants who have received equivalent instruction outside of traditional schooling for two or more years during high school, those applying to honors or specialized programs, or for applicants seeking certain state, federal, or institutional grants and scholarships that require test scores. The bill also encourages private colleges and proprietary institutions to adopt similar test-optional policies.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2016 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2016_I1.HTM |
Loading...