ASSEMBLY HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1302

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 15, 2026

      The Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1302.

      This bill establishes a process under which a county college may receive approval to offer a baccalaureate degree nursing program.  Under the bill’s provisions, the board of trustees of a county college may submit a proposal to the New Jersey Presidents’ Council to offer such a four-year degree program.  The proposal must include:

      1)   a description of the program, the unmet need for graduates of the program in the geographic region to be served by the program, and the timeframe for implementation of the program;

      2)   identification of the facilities, equipment, and library and academic resources that will be used to deliver the program;

      3)   a cost analysis of establishing the program;

      4)   the program’s admission requirements, academic content, curriculum, faculty credentials, and accreditation plan; and

      5)   the program’s enrollment projections and funding requirements.

      The New Jersey Presidents’ Council is to review the proposal, notify the board of trustees of any deficiencies in writing within 30 days following receipt of the proposal, and provide the board with an opportunity to correct the deficiencies.

      Within 45 days of receipt of a completed proposal, the council will forward the proposal, with its recommendation for approval or disapproval, to the Secretary of Higher Education.   The secretary will provide the county college with a written determination on the approval or disapproval of the proposal within 60 days of its receipt from the council.

      The establishment of a baccalaureate degree nursing program by a county college is dependent upon the county college receiving accreditation for the program by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.