SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3245

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 1, 2026

      The Senate Education Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3245.

      This bill revises certain high school student financial aid application requirements.

      Under current law, beginning with the 2023-2024 grade 11 class, and for two years after, a board of education is to require a student, and the student’s parent or guardian, as applicable, to complete and submit a financial aid application as a prerequisite to the student receiving a high school diploma unless a waiver is submitted. This bill makes permanent the requirement that students complete a financial aid application.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to:

· incorporate the statutory updates included in P.L.2025, c.95; and

· require the Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to report annually to the Department of Education and the Legislature regarding the financial aid application requirements, instead of the current law requirement to issue one report no later than three years following the effective date of P.L.2023, c.295.