Bill
Bill > A1640
NJ A1640
NJ A1640Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to issue vouchers in amount of monthly loan repayment amount for loan borrowers who have child enrolled in Grow NJ Kids-rated child care program.
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 establishes a Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program within the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Grow NJ Kids is New Jersey's quality rating improvement system designed to raise the quality of child care and early learning programs. Under the bill, the authority will issue vouchers to eligible borrowers in the amount of the principal monthly loan repayment amount for an eligible borrower who has a child enrolled in an approved program. The bill defines an "approved program" as a licensed child care center, a school- or center-based preschool program, a Head Start program, or a registered family child care provider which has achieved a Grow NJ Kids rating of at least three. The bill provides that the State will appropriate such amounts as may be necessary to offset the loan principal amounts provided through the vouchers authorized under the program. In order to be eligible to participate in the program, an applicant must:· be a resident of the State;· provide evidence of his child's enrollment in an approved program;· submit an application to participate in the program to the authority in a time and manner as determined by the authority; · have an individual annual income of no greater than $75,000 or a combined household income of no greater than $150,000; and· satisfy any additional criteria the authority may establish. Under the bill, the authority will provide:· each licensed child care center, school- or center-based preschool program, Head Start program, or registered family child care provider with information on the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program; and· information on the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program to the general public through the authority's website and through other relevant outreach to loan borrowers as determined by the authority. The bill requires an approved program to publicize the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program within their facility, on their websites, and through any other relevant communications to individuals, as deemed appropriate by the approved program.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, to provide financial assistance to New Jersey residents who are borrowers of student loans and have a child enrolled in a high-quality child care or early learning program. Grow NJ Kids is New Jersey's system for rating the quality of these programs, and an "approved program" must have a Grow NJ Kids rating of at least three, encompassing licensed child care centers, preschools, Head Start programs, or registered family child care providers. Eligible borrowers, who must be state residents with an individual annual income not exceeding $75,000 or a household income not exceeding $150,000, will receive vouchers equivalent to their monthly student loan principal repayment amount. The State will fund these vouchers, and participants must enter into a contract with the authority, agreeing to notify them of any changes in enrollment or program tuition. The authority will also be responsible for informing both approved programs and the public about the voucher program, while approved programs are required to publicize it to their clients.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A1640 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1640_I1.HTM |
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