WeVote
Log In

Bill

AS

Bill

A 4986

Requires State Board of Education to establish program to pay high school equivalency exam fees for certain low-income individuals; provides gross income tax and corporation business tax deductions for donations made to support fees.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Sauickie

The bill creates a state program to pay high school equivalency exam fees for low-income individuals, funded by appropriations and enhanced by donor tax deductions.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4986

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4986 (Session 222)

Purpose and Intent

A-4986 would require the New Jersey State Board of Education to establish and administer a program to pay high school equivalency exam (HSE) fees for certain low-income individuals. The bill also provides tax incentives—via deductions—to encourage private donations that support the funding of these exam fees.

Key Provisions

  1. Program Establishment

    • The State Board of Education must create a program to pay the fees for the high school equivalency exam for eligible low-income individuals.
    • The bill designates administration and oversight responsibilities to the State Board, including determining eligibility and disbursement of funds.

  2. Eligibility and Funding

    • While the bill text provided does not include the full eligibility criteria, the program is framed to assist “low-income individuals” seeking HSE testing.
    • Funding sources would be drawn from appropriations coordinated by the program; the bill contemplates a mechanism to cover exam fees directly for eligible participants.

  3. Tax Incentives for Donors

    • Gross Income Tax (GIT) Deduction: Individuals or entities making donations to support the HSE fee program would be eligible for a deduction against gross income for New Jersey purposes.
    • Corporation Business Tax (CBT) Deduction: Corporations contributing to the program would be eligible for a deduction against the CBT.
    • These deductions are intended to incentivize private philanthropy to fund the program, effectively expanding the pool of funds available to cover exam fees.

  4. Administration and Oversight

    • The bill assigns program administration to the State Board of Education, which would establish procedures, determine eligibility, approve fee payments, and monitor funding use.
    • The bill may outline reporting or auditing requirements (not fully detailed in the summary provided).

  5. Effective Date and Sunset (Not Specified Here)

    • The summary provided does not specify an effective date or sunset provisions; the bill would typically include these details in the full text.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Target Population: Low-income individuals seeking to obtain a high school equivalency credential through the HSE exam.
  • Students/Applicants: Eligible applicants who qualify under the program would have their HSE exam fees paid by State funds.
  • Donors: Private individuals and corporations that contribute to the program could receive GIT or CBT deductions.
  • Educational Stakeholders: School districts, adult education programs, and examination providers may experience changes in funding flows and administrative processes due to the new program.

Potential Impact

  • Access to Credentialing: Reduced financial barriers to taking the HSE exam for underserved populations, potentially improving educational attainment and workforce opportunities.
  • Private Funding Incentives: Tax incentives may mobilize charitable contributions to support adult education and credential attainment.
  • Administrative Burden: The State Board of Education would incur new responsibilities related to program administration, eligibility determinations, and compliance reporting.

Considerations for Readers

  • Details such as exact eligibility criteria, funding amounts, application procedures, and annual funding limits are not included in the summary provided and would appear in the bill’s full text or subsequent amendments.
  • Tax deduction amounts and eligibility rules (e.g., limits, carryforward, or who can claim the deduction) would be defined in the tax sections of the bill or related statutory provisions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize fiscal impact, administerial workflow, or provide a side-by-side comparison with current law once the full text is available.

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

Sign in to ask a question.