ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5182

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 10, 2025

      The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 5182.

     As amended, this bill modernizes the responsibilities of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.

     Current law establishes the New Jersey Council of County Colleges to, among certain other responsibilities, act as an advocate and promote the advancement of the county colleges, promote the diversity of development among the county colleges, and ensure the coordination of the county colleges on matters of mutual interest and concern. 

     The amended bill modernizes the powers and responsibilities of the council to require it to:

· develop and submit to the Governor, the Secretary of Higher Education, and the Legislature, a biennial strategic plan outlining a shared vision and set of goals for the county colleges.  The strategic plan is to be developed in consultation with county college faculty, staff, and students;

· serve as the primary advisory body to the Governor, the Legislature, the Presidents' Council, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and all other State agencies on any matter related to the county colleges, including consulting on the development and design of State laws, regulations, and State-funded pilot programs and grant programs that pertain to the county colleges.  In fulfilling its advisory role, the council is required to consult with, or otherwise solicit input from, county college faculty, staff, and students;

· develop a performance-based formula to be used in allocating State aid appropriations for county college operations, subject to the approval of the State Treasurer and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education;

· serve as the primary vehicle for implementing Statewide initiatives pertaining to county colleges;

· bring together county colleges in support of State initiatives and to provide contract services to State departments and agencies;

· enhance the availability of data to improve decision making among county colleges, students, employers, policymakers, and other interested parties;

· ensure stronger collaboration on academic issues;

· support collaboration and improve efficiency among the county colleges;

· provide services to State departments and agencies for certain purchases, contracts, or agreements in which the State departments and agencies do not have to advertise for bids pursuant to current law;

· serve as a unified lead partner with Statewide business, labor, education, and community organizations to advance equity, opportunity, and prosperity in New Jersey;

· build strong partnerships with employers, elementary and secondary schools, four-year colleges and universities, labor unions, workforce development boards, and community-based organizations in developing the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative and in designing new academic and workforce education and training pathways aligned with the needs of the economy;

· facilitate county college requests for certain capital funding authorized pursuant to current law and to work with the State Treasurer in allocating that funding; and

· assist in the administration of funds provided to county colleges pursuant to the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to require the New Jersey Council of County Colleges to consult with county college faculty, staff, and students when developing the biennial strategic plan required by the bill and serving as the primary advisory body to various State officials and agencies on matters related to county colleges.