Bill > S2034

Introduced Session

This bill establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (office) the "Scientific Conference Grant Program" (program). The bill also appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the office to fund the program. Under the bill, the program will award grants to public institutions of higher education that host scientific conferences and seminars in the State. Grants awarded through the program are to be used to defray the costs, either in whole or in part, associated with hosting a scientific conference or seminar and may be applied towards the costs of event spaces and speakers, including speaker fees, honoraria, travel, and lodging. Grants cannot be used to defray food costs or other vendor costs not related to the reservation or use of the event space. Under the bill, a public institution of higher education may apply to the Secretary of Higher Education (secretary) for a grant. The application is required to include a description and preliminary agenda for the conference or seminar, the names and credentials of all invited speakers, and any relevant information pertaining to the costs of hosting the conference or seminar. The grants will be awarded in amounts determined by the secretary

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Vince Polistina (R)*,  Andrew Zwicker (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document