ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3424

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 5, 2026

      The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 3424.

      As amended, this bill provides that an undergraduate student enrolled in an institution of higher education that already offers priority registration to any other undergraduate students would be granted priority in registering for courses at the institution provided that the student is a resident of New Jersey and is the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age.

      The bill also provides that the priority course registration would occur using the same procedures used by other segments of the student population that are offered priority registration by the institution. Prior to the registration period for each academic semester, an institution of higher education is required to notify students eligible for priority course registration under the bill.

      Currently, some institutions of higher education offer priority registration to certain students, including student-athletes, students with disabilities, and current and former military service members. This bill requires those institutions to expand priority registration eligibility to include student parents.

      This bill was prefiled 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.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to limit the bill’s provisions to undergraduate students.  The bill, as introduced, would have also applied to graduate students.