Bill
Bill > S3578
NJ S3578
NJ S3578Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree nursing programs.
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes a process under which a county college may receive approval to offer a baccalaureate degree nursing program. Under the bill's provisions, the board of trustees of a county college may submit a proposal to the New Jersey Presidents' Council to offer such a four-year degree program. The proposal must include: 1) a description of the program, the unmet need for graduates of the program in the geographic region to be served by the program, and the timeframe for implementation of the program; 2) identification of the facilities, equipment, and library and academic resources that will be used to deliver the program; 3) a cost analysis of establishing the program; 4) the program's admission requirements, academic content, curriculum, faculty credentials, and accreditation plan; and 5) the program's enrollment projections and funding requirements. The New Jersey Presidents' Council is to review the proposal, notify the board of trustees of any deficiencies in writing within 30 days following receipt of the proposal, and provide the board with an opportunity to correct the deficiencies. Within 45 days of receipt of a completed proposal, the council will forward the proposal, with its recommendation for approval or disapproval, to the Secretary of Higher Education. The secretary will provide the county college with a written determination on the approval or disapproval of the proposal within 60 days of its receipt from the council. The establishment of a baccalaureate degree nursing program by a county college is dependent upon the county college receiving accreditation for the program by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a process for county colleges, which are two-year public colleges funded by a county, to offer four-year baccalaureate degree nursing programs, addressing a recognized shortage of highly educated nurses in New Jersey. To do this, a county college's board of trustees must submit a detailed proposal to the New Jersey Presidents' Council, a body representing higher education institutions, outlining the program's description, the regional need for graduates, implementation timeline, necessary resources like facilities and faculty credentials, cost analysis, admission requirements, curriculum, accreditation plan, enrollment projections, and funding needs. The Presidents' Council will review the proposal, identify any issues within 30 days, and allow the college to correct them. After receiving a complete proposal, the council will send it with a recommendation to the Secretary of Higher Education, who will make the final approval or disapproval decision within 60 days. Crucially, any approved program must also receive accreditation from the New Jersey Board of Nursing before it can be established.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3578 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4000/3578_I1.HTM |
Loading...