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Bill > S812
NJ S812
NJ S812Requires public institution of higher education to award academic credit to certain volunteer emergency responders.
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 public institutions of higher education to award academic credit to certain volunteer emergency responders. Under the bill, a public institution of higher education is to award academic credit to a volunteer emergency responder enrolled in the institution, provided that: (1) the student is enrolled in an undergraduate degree-granting program; (2) the volunteer service was performed within five years before the student's initial enrollment in the institution or is being performed concurrently with the student's enrollment in the institution; (3) the student provides proof to the institution of the number of volunteer hours performed; (4) the student volunteered with a volunteer fire company, duly incorporated first aid, rescue, or ambulance squad, or a county or municipal volunteer Office of Emergency Management, provided the student's official duties include responding to a fire or emergency call; and (5) the student held the appropriate certificate while performing the volunteer service, as applicable. Pursuant to the bill, academic credit is to be awarded commensurate with the number of hours the student served as a volunteer emergency responder and the credits are to be applied toward relevant coursework offered by the institution. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education to develop credit recommendations for a public institution of higher education to award academic credit as required under the bill.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that public colleges and universities in New Jersey must grant academic credit to enrolled undergraduate students who are volunteer emergency responders, provided they meet certain criteria. These criteria include having performed their volunteer service within five years of starting college or while currently enrolled, submitting proof of their volunteer hours, and having served with an approved organization like a volunteer fire company, first aid squad, or Office of Emergency Management, with official duties involving responding to emergencies. Additionally, the student must have held any required certifications for their volunteer role. The amount of academic credit awarded will be based on the number of volunteer hours served and will count towards relevant courses. The Secretary of Higher Education will be responsible for creating guidelines for how these credits should be recommended. This provision aims to recognize the valuable service of these volunteers and encourage their continued participation by offering them academic recognition for their commitment.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
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/S812 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/812_I1.HTM |
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