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Bill > A1319
NJ A1319
NJ A1319Requires public institution of higher education to adopt withdrawal policy permitting refund for certain extenuating circumstances.
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 each public institution of higher education to adopt a policy that permits a student to withdraw for an extenuating circumstance and receive a refund. Under the bill, the policy is required to: (1) define "extenuating circumstance," which is to include: illness; injury; hospitalization; and mental health and wellness; (2) include a provision to refund tuition and fees paid by the student for the semester in which the student withdraws if the extenuating circumstances inhibit the student's ability to acquire an education at the institution; (3) establish criteria to determine whether a student's ability to acquire an education has been inhibited by an extenuating circumstance; (4) include a provision that any student who withdraws in compliance with the policy and who has paid amounts for room, board, or fees is entitled to a refund of the portion of those charges attributable to the time period during which the facilities or services were not used by the student; and (5) explain that any refund payable to a student who is a financial aid recipient or State aid recipient is subject to the applicable State and federal laws and regulations regarding refunds.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that every public college or university in the state must establish a policy allowing students to withdraw due to "extenuating circumstances" and receive a refund, with "extenuating circumstances" broadly defined to include issues like illness, injury, hospitalization, and mental health concerns. The policy must specify how to determine if these circumstances have prevented a student from continuing their education, and if so, require a refund of tuition and fees for the affected semester. Additionally, students who withdraw under this policy and have paid for housing or meal plans will be refunded for the unused portion of those services, though any refunds for students receiving financial aid or state aid will be subject to existing federal and state regulations.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (6)
Andrea Katz (D)*,
Cody Miller (D)*,
Luanne Peterpaul (D)*,
Rosaura Bagolie (D),
Dan Hutchison (D),
William Sampson (D),
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/A1319 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1500/1319_I1.HTM |
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