SENATE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 5182

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 15, 2025

      The Senate Higher Education Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 5182 (1R).

     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 bill requires the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (“council”) to submit to the State Treasurer, the Secretary of Higher Education, the Governor, and the Legislature, an annual budget request for State support of county colleges.  The bill further requires that State support for operational costs be distributed to the county colleges pursuant to a performance-based formula developed by the council and approved by the State Treasurer and the Secretary of Higher Education. The bill directs the council to provide to the State Treasurer and secretary any recommended improvements to the performance-based formula every three years. 

     The bill modernizes and adds to 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;

· serve as an advisory body to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education 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;

· serve as a coordinating body that organizes and expands collaboration among county colleges in a variety of areas impacting student success and institutional advancement;

· provide contract services to State departments and agencies;

· ensure strong collaboration on academic issues by:

o  maintaining a Statewide general education framework for county colleges;

o  approving credit courses used in calculating certain costs;

o operating a Community College Joint Purchasing Consortium;

o convening county college leaders to share promising practices;

o undertaking and promoting professional development for faculty and staff; and

o collaborating on the marketing and promotion of county colleges;

· serve as a partner with Statewide business, labor, education, and community organizations;

· 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

· facilitate county college requests for capital funding; and assist in the administration of certain federal funds provided to county colleges. 

     Finally, the bill provides that the council will act as an advisory body to the Governor, the Legislature, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and the Presidents’ Council. 

      As amended and reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 5182 (1R) is identical to Senate Bill No. 4021, which was also amended and reported by the committee on this date.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

The committee amended the bill to:

· require the council to submit an annual budget request to the Secretary of Higher Education, in addition to the State Treasurer, the Governor, and the Legislature;

· require the strategic plan developed by the council be done in consultation with State government agencies, in addition to county college faculty, staff, and students;

· change the role of the council as an advisory body and coordinating body under the bill;

· remove a provision that required the council to serve as the primary vehicle for implementing Statewide initiatives pertaining to county colleges;

· remove a provision that required the council to enhance the availability of data through collaborations with certain State agencies and entities;

· remove language from the bill regarding the council’s role in ensuring the seamless transfer of credits;  

· remove a provision requiring the council to develop and maintain a unified directory of academic programs;

· remove a provision requiring the council to develop policies and initiatives to expand academic and workforce-related dual enrollment, provide credit for prior learning opportunities, and improve the transfer experience;

· clarified the council’s role of partner with Statewide business, labor, education, and community organizations; and

· remove a provision that required the council to design new academic and workforce education and training pathways.