ASSEMBLY SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2353

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

      The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2353.

      As amended and reported, this bill establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education the “Scientific Conference Grant Program.”  The bill also appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education for the bill’s purposes. 

     Under the “Scientific Conference Grant Program,” the secretary is to award grants to institutions of higher education that host scientific conferences and seminars in the State.  Grants awarded pursuant to the bill are to be used to defray the costs, either in whole or in part, associated with hosting a scientific conference or seminar and may be applied towards the costs of event spaces and speakers, including speaker fees, honoraria, travel, and lodging.  Grants are not to be used to defray food costs or other vendor costs not related to the reservation or use of the event space.

     An institution of higher education may apply to the secretary for a grant.  The application is required to include a description and preliminary agenda for the conference or seminar, the names and credentials of all invited speakers, and any relevant information pertaining to the costs of hosting the conference or seminar.  The secretary is directed to determine the amount of the grants awarded under the program.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

The committee amendments require the Secretary of Higher Education to grant awards under the grant program established by the bill.