ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3533

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

      The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3533.

      This bill increases the current statutory tuition credit amount permitted under the volunteer tuition credit program.

     Under current law, certain persons who are active members in good standing of a volunteer fire company, or a volunteer first aid or rescue squad or association, and the person’s dependent children and spouse, are permitted to enroll in a postsecondary program on a tuition-free basis in a county college, county vocational school, or county technical institution and be eligible to receive tuition credit in an amount not to exceed a maximum of $2,400.  The law requires the member to agree to serve as a member of a volunteer fire company or volunteer first aid or rescue squad or association for a minimum of four years of service.  Current law provides for a tuition credit of up to $600 following each year of service not to exceed a maximum of $2,400 for the member, dependent, and spouse over a four-year service period.

      This bill increases the maximum tuition credit amount from $600 to $1,250 per year of service, not to exceed a maximum of $5,000 for the member, dependent, and spouse over a four-year service period.