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Bill > S816
NJ S816
NJ S816Extends eligibility for tuition benefit to dependents of members of United States Armed Forces who died while on active duty.
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
Under current law, the child or surviving spouse of a member of the New Jersey National Guard who was killed in the performance of his duties may attend regularly-scheduled courses at any public institution of higher education in this State and receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free provided that certain conditions are met. This bill extends the tuition waiver benefit to the dependents of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who died while on active duty. The bill further provides to dependents of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the New Jersey National Guard who died while on active duty a monetary award equal to 10 percent of the cost of tuition at the public institution of higher education at which the student is enrolled. This award will be made available to the student for use on non-tuition education costs, including but not limited to housing, dining, fees, or supplies.
AI Summary
This bill expands a tuition benefit program in New Jersey to include dependents of members of the United States Armed Forces who died while on active duty, not just those in the New Jersey National Guard. Previously, children or surviving spouses of New Jersey National Guard members killed in the line of duty could attend public colleges and universities tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester, provided certain conditions were met, such as being accepted into a program and applying for all available federal and state financial aid, including benefits from the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. This legislation broadens this tuition waiver to cover dependents of any U.S. Armed Forces member who died on active duty. Additionally, the bill introduces a new monetary award for eligible students, which is equal to 10 percent of their tuition costs at a public institution of higher education, and this award can be used for non-tuition expenses like housing, dining, fees, or supplies.
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/S816 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/816_I1.HTM |
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