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Bill

Bill

S 2488

Prohibits institution of higher education that provides child care from charging student-parent who receives child care voucher under "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" an amount for child care in excess of voucher amount.

2026-2027 Regular Session

Caps New Jersey college child care charges at voucher amount for student-parents, eliminating out-of-pocket costs but potentially requiring institutions to subsidize services.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee
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Bill Summary · S 2488

Legislative bill overview

S 2488 caps the amount that New Jersey higher education institutions can charge student-parents for child care services at the value of their "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" voucher. The bill prevents colleges and universities from billing student-parents for any child care costs exceeding their voucher amount, effectively eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for this population.

Why is this important

Student-parents often face significant barriers to completing their education due to child care costs, which frequently exceed available subsidies. By capping institutional charges to voucher amounts, the bill aims to remove a major financial obstacle and improve college completion rates for this vulnerable population. This directly affects affordability and access to higher education.

Potential points of contention

  • Institutional cost absorption: Colleges may argue they cannot operate child care services profitably if unable to charge above voucher amounts, potentially leading to reduced child care availability or quality
  • Voucher adequacy: The bill's effectiveness depends on whether "New Jersey Cares for Kids Program" vouchers cover actual child care costs; if vouchers are set below market rates, institutions absorb losses
  • Scope and fairness questions: Critics may question why this protection applies only to higher education institutions or whether similar protections should extend to other child care settings or student-parent support measures

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

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