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Bill > S2532
NJ S2532
NJ S2532Directs Secretary of Higher Education to appoint special auditor to investigate claims of abuse of public funds at public institutions of higher education.
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 directs the Secretary of Higher Education to appoint a special auditor to investigate claims of abuse of public funds at public institutions of higher education. Any person would be able to file a complaint alleging abuse of public funds to the special auditor. Upon receipt of a complaint, the special auditor would be required to serve a copy of the complaint on each individual named therein and provide each named individual with the opportunity to submit a written statement under oath. The special auditor would subsequently decide whether probable cause exists to credit the allegations in the complaint. If the special auditor determines that probable cause exists, the special auditor would conduct an investigation into the allegation of abuse of public funds. In making a determination regarding an alleged abuse of public funds, the burden of proof would be on the accusing party to establish an abuse of public funds. Upon completion of the investigation, the special auditor would determine whether the conduct complained of constitutes an abuse of public funds or whether the complaint should be dismissed, and state in writing their findings. The special auditor would be required to issue a decision regarding the complaint within 90 days of receiving the complaint. If an entity of a public institution of higher education is found to have abused public funds, the entity would be required to repay to the State the total amount of funds deemed to have been misused. The institution would also be fined an amount equal to the total cost of the investigation multiplied by 1.25. The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education would use funds received as a result of any fines issued to fund future investigations. A governing board of a public institution of higher education, or any employee of the board, would be prohibited from taking any retaliatory action against an employee or a student at the public institution of higher education because the individual: (1) submits a complaint of abuse of public funds to the special auditor; or (2) provides information to, or testifies before, the special auditor conducting an investigation into an allegation of abuse of public funds.
AI Summary
This bill directs the Secretary of Higher Education to appoint a special auditor, who must be a certified public accountant, to investigate claims of abuse of public funds at public colleges and universities, with "abuse of public funds" meaning any misuse of money allocated to these institutions. Any person can file a complaint, and the special auditor must notify the accused and allow them to respond in writing under oath before determining if there's probable cause to investigate further. If probable cause is found, the special auditor will conduct an investigation, but the accuser bears the burden of proof to show the misuse of funds. The special auditor must issue a written decision within 90 days, and if an entity is found to have abused funds, it must repay the State the misused amount and the institution will be fined 1.25 times the investigation's cost, with these fines funding future investigations. The bill also prohibits any retaliatory action by governing boards or their employees against individuals who file complaints or cooperate with investigations.
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
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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/2026/S2532 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2532_I1.HTM |
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