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A 4634

Relates to noncompliance of an employer or income payor with income execution orders

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Sempolinski

Restores AFQT (ASVAB) as an approved substitute for New Jersey's high school graduation proficiency test, giving students another option if AFQT fits their strengths.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 4634

Bill A 4634 — Summary

Status: Referenced to Judiciary (as of 2025-02-04). Introduced June 25, 2024. Sponsor: Joseph Sempolinski. Companion: S 3238.

Purpose and intent

A 4634 aims to reinstate the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery–Armed Forces Qualifying Test (ASVAB-AFQT) as an approved substitute assessment for New Jersey students to demonstrate high school graduation proficiency. The bill responds to a 2023 decision by the State Board of Education that removed AFQT from the list of substitute competency tests and seeks to restore AFQT as an available pathway for meeting graduation requirements.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: The State Board of Education shall recognize the ASVAB-AFQT as an alternative assessment for meeting the high school graduation proficiency test requirement.
  • Section 2: Effective date — the act takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Legislative context: The bill would modify the set of substitute competency tests that students may use to demonstrate proficiency in meeting New Jersey’s graduation standards. Current law allows substitute tests such as the SAT, PSAT, ACT, ACT-Aspire, AFQT (as part of AFQT/ASVAB pathway), and Accuplacer. The bill adds AFQT back to that list for students who have not demonstrated proficiency on the State graduation proficiency test.

Background and context

  • Under existing law, students must demonstrate proficiency by:
    • Passing the State graduation proficiency test, or
    • Using a substitute competency test, or
    • Completing a portfolio appeals process.
  • The substitute tests are defined broadly and include several national assessments (SAT, PSAT, ACT, ACT-Aspire, AFQT, Accuplacer).
  • In May 2023, the State Board approved graduation requirements for 2024–2025 and updated the substitute-test list but removed AFQT. A 4634 would reinstate AFQT as an acceptable substitute.

Who is affected

  • Public high school students in New Jersey seeking to fulfill graduation requirements through a substitute assessment.
  • School districts and the State Board of Education, which administer graduation pathways and assess which tests are accepted.
  • Military-recruiting and related programs may see increased relevance if AFQT remains a recognized option.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill has undergone committee referral (Education, then Judiciary) and remains pending legislative action.
  • It is part of a broader set of related bills (e.g., companion S 3238 and several prior-session bills) concerning graduation requirements and substitute assessments.

Potential impact

  • Access and options: Restoring AFQT as an available substitute could provide students with another pathway to demonstrate proficiency, potentially improving graduation rates for those who perform better on AFQT.
  • Equity and preparation: May influence how schools guide students in test preparation and which assessments they emphasize.
  • Fiscal/implementation considerations: Administrative alignment with the Board of Education’s testing schedules and ensuring AFQT administration remains accessible in exam windows.

Note: This summary reflects the introduced text and stated intent. The bill’s fate depends on subsequent legislative action and any amendments.

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

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