ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[Second Reprint]

SENATE, No. 3245

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

      The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3245 (2R).

      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 and clarifies that a student, and the student’s parent or guardian, if applicable, may submit either a State or federal financial aid application to comply with the requirements of the bill.

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 3245 (2R) is identical to Assembly Bill No. 2470, which was also amended and reported by the committee on this date.