ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3407

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 5, 2026

      The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3407.

      This bill places restrictions on certain requirements that institutions of higher education can impose on students enrolled in the institution who are parents.

       Under the bill, an institution of higher education in New Jersey may not require any enrolled student who has full or partial custody of a child to: purchase a meal plan; reside in on-campus housing, except when required as a condition of entry into a residential cohort or access program or as a condition of receipt of a scholarship; or pay any fees associated with the use of a campus gym, fitness center, or other recreational facility, as long as the fee is not associated with other campus services fees including, but not limited to, transportation.  The institution would not be required to allow a student to use the campus gym, fitness center, or other recreational facility if the associated fees are not paid.

      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.