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A 2353

Establishes "Scientific Conference Grant Program"; appropriates $250,000.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 4 co-sponsors

The bill creates the Scientific Conference Grant Program to fund in-state higher education conferences by covering event space and speaker costs with a $250,000 appropriation.

Reported out of Assembly Committee with Amendments and Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2353

Summary — Assembly Bill A2353

Establishes the "Scientific Conference Grant Program" in the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and appropriates $250,000.

Main purpose

To support institutions of higher education in hosting scientific conferences and seminars in the State by providing grants to defray certain event-related costs.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the Scientific Conference Grant Program within the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
  • The Secretary shall award grants to eligible in‑State institutions of higher education that host scientific conferences or seminars.
  • Permitted uses of grant funds: costs of event space and speaker-related expenses, including speaker fees, honoraria, travel, and lodging.
  • Prohibited uses: food costs and other vendor costs not related to reservation or use of event space.
  • Application requirements: a description and preliminary agenda for the conference/seminar; names and credentials of all invited speakers; and relevant cost information for hosting the event.
  • Award amounts: to be determined by the Secretary (no per-grant cap specified in the bill).
  • Appropriation: $250,000 from the General Fund is appropriated to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to implement the program.
  • Effective date: the act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Changes made by committee amendment

The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee amended the bill to require (change from discretionary to mandatory) that the Secretary of Higher Education grant awards under the program (“shall award” rather than “may award”).

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: public and private institutions of higher education in the State that organize scientific conferences or seminars.
  • State government: Office of the Secretary of Higher Education will administer the program and manage the appropriation.

Fiscal impact

  • Initial appropriation: $250,000 (General Fund).
  • The Office of Legislative Services estimates up to $250,000 in State cost in the first year; unspent funds may be expended in subsequent years until exhausted.
  • Institutions of higher education would see a corresponding revenue increase equal to amounts awarded; institutional costs to host events remain and are indeterminate.
  • Future-year costs to continue the program are indeterminate (depends on any additional appropriations or program continuation).

Procedural status & related legislation

  • Introduced: January 2024 session (prefiled/introduced Jan 9, 2024 per statement); reported out of committee with amendments Sept 19, 2024.
  • Later referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee and to Ways and Means (actions dated Jan 16, 2025).
  • Companion/related measures: S189 (companion), and several prior‑session bills (A10195, A6030, A5904, A5015, A3270).

Notes / considerations

  • The bill does not specify award-size limits, selection criteria beyond the application contents, or a competitive scoring system — these details would be set by the Secretary’s program rules or guidance.
  • Because funds are limited, awards will be competitive and may not cover full event costs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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