ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1319

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

      The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1319.

This bill requires each public institution of higher education to adopt a policy that permits a student to withdraw for an extenuating circumstance and receive a refund.

     Under the bill, the policy is required to:

     (1)   define “extenuating circumstance,” which will include illness, injury, hospitalization, and mental health and wellness;

     (2)   include a provision to refund tuition and fees paid by the student for the semester in which the student withdraws if the extenuating circumstances inhibit the student’s ability to acquire an education at the institution;

     (3)   establish criteria to determine whether a student’s ability to acquire an education has been inhibited by an extenuating circumstance;

     (4)   include a provision that any student who withdraws in compliance with the policy and who has paid amounts for room, board, or fees is entitled to a refund of the portion of those charges attributable to the time period during which the facilities or services were not used by the student; and

     (5)   explain that any refund payable to a student who is a financial aid recipient or State aid recipient is subject to the applicable State and federal laws and regulations regarding refunds.

      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.