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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey Bill Provides Free Public College Tuition for Families of Fallen Service Members
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education CommitteeSponsor: Al Barlas
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What This Bill Would Do
New Jersey offers free undergraduate tuition at public colleges and universities for resident surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in the line of duty. The state covers tuition costs not already paid by other scholarships or financial aid grants, subject to specific time limits. The program takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Qualifying military family members gain state-funded coverage for undergraduate tuition costs at New Jersey public institutions of higher education that exceed other financial aid awards.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Surviving spouses of military personnel
Eligible for state-paid undergraduate tuition at New Jersey public institutions for up to eight years from the date of death.
Dependent children of military personnel
Eligible for state-paid undergraduate tuition at New Jersey public institutions for up to eight years following high school graduation.
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
Required to adopt rules and regulations and receive annual appropriations to administer the scholarship program.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the free tuition program?
Which schools participate in the scholarship program?
How long do recipients have to use the scholarship?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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