WeVote
Log In

Bill

AB

Bill

A 2365

Permits spouses and dependents of military service members to qualify for in-State tuition in event that service member is transferred to another state.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Al Barlas and 12 co-sponsors

Extends in-state tuition eligibility to military spouses and allows continued in-state status for those whose service member relocates out of NJ, with conditions.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2365

Bill Overview

  • Bill: A 2365
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Permits spouses and dependents of military service members to qualify for in-State tuition in event that service member is transferred to another state
  • Sponsor/Support: Includes a broad list of co-sponsors from both parties
  • Status: Introduced January 13, 2026; referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends New Jersey law governing in-State tuition eligibility for students at public institutions of higher education. Its primary aims are:
- Extend in-State tuition eligibility to United States military service members’ spouses.
- Preserve in-State status for spouses or dependents if the service member is relocated out of New Jersey due to military service, provided certain conditions are met.

Key Provisions

  1. In-State Tuition Eligibility Expanded to Spouses
    -Current law already allows military personnel and their dependents living in New Jersey and attending public higher education institutions to pay in-State tuition.
    -A 2365 adds spouses of military personnel to the list of individuals who shall be regarded as residents for the purpose of determining tuition.

  2. Protection of Spouse/Dependent Status Upon Service Member Relocation
    -If the military service member is relocated out of New Jersey for continued service, the service member’s spouse or dependent may continue to be classified as an in-State resident for tuition purposes.
    -Conditions for this continued eligibility:

    • The spouse or dependent was enrolled in a New Jersey public institution of higher education prior to the service member’s relocation.
    • The spouse or dependent maintains continuous enrollment at the New Jersey institution.

  3. Dependent High School Residency Provision

    • The bill retains and mirrors a prior provision: a dependent child of U.S. military personnel who attended New Jersey high school for at least three years shall be considered a New Jersey resident for tuition purposes, regardless of their residence location at enrollment.

  4. Effective Date

    • The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primary Beneficiaries:
    • Military spouses currently or soon-to-be enrolled in public colleges/universities in New Jersey.
    • Dependents who meet the specified conditions (continuous enrollment pre-relocation).
  • Broader Implications:
    • Simplifies and clarifies tuition-residency rules to reduce disruption for military families during relocations.
    • May influence enrollment decisions by military families considering New Jersey institutions.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and Referral:
    • Introduced on 2026-01-13.
    • Referred to the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  • Timing:
    • Immediate effective date upon enactment, allowing quick implementation if passed.

Additional Notes

  • The bill references and augments existing law: P.L.1985, c.231 (C.18A:62-4.1) and ties into related provisions from P.L.2021, c.49 (s.1) regarding resident status for dependents who attended New Jersey high school.
  • No funding provisions or tuition-rate changes are specified beyond the residency determination criteria. If enacted, institutions would apply the updated residency rules to their tuition determinations.

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

Sign in to ask a question.