This includes service in the Armed Forces or as a member of the National Guard or Reserve – whether on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal or State authority.

Under the bill, the institution of higher education is required to readmit the student with the same academic status the student had before withdrawing. Readmission is to be granted upon written request by the student with no associated fees.

“We are committed to doing everything we can in New Jersey to support our service members and veterans, including ensuring that the brave men and women who selflessly put their studies on hold to answer the call to serve can pick up their college education exactly where they left off,” said Murphy. “With [this] bill signing, we are underscoring our support for New Jersey’s active-duty service members and veterans by removing barriers to securing a college education.”

“New Jersey is committed to helping every student complete their degree, including those who have paused their education to serve our country,” said Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges. “With this law, it will be easier for service members to return to college with the same academic standing they had before their military service and without the financial burden of application fees. I want to thank the sponsors for their leadership in championing this important legislation. Together, we reaffirm New Jersey’s commitment to fostering inclusive higher education opportunities, ensuring that all residents have clear paths to finishing their education and advancing their careers.”

“Calls to service from our state and country can happen at any moment, no matter what is going on in the lives of our service members. When they answer those calls, disruption to their pursuit of academic degrees is one of the sacrifices they frequently make,” said Brig. Gen. Yvonne Mays, DMAVA Commissioner and The Adjutant General of New Jersey. “This legislation ensures that those who answered the call to serve are afforded the opportunity to succeed and advance their educational careers when they return from duty.”

Sponsors of the legislation (S1445/A3803) include Senator Troy Singleton, Senator Kristin Corrado, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, and then Assemblyman, now U.S. Representative Herb Conaway.

“Colleges and universities should not be penalizing students who have their education interrupted to serve our country by forcing them to retake classes and spend more,” said Senator Troy Singleton. “We should do everything we can to support veterans when they return, and I thank the Governor for signing this legislation to ensure that these students are able to pick up right where they left off without penalties.”

“Every veteran in the state deserves the opportunity to pursue their higher education goals,” said Senator Kristin Corrado. “With the Governor’s signature, we will make certain that public colleges and universities have policies in place to provide special accommodations for veterans, and help our brave men and women in uniform transition back into civilian life more easily than ever before.”

“We owe it to our service members to ensure they have a seamless transition back to college,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. “Through A3803, we not only honor their commitment to this country but also make higher education more accessible.”

“Service members sacrifice so much for our country, and it is only right we make it as easy as possible for them to pursue their educational aspirations upon their return,” said Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker. “This bill is a small token of our appreciation for their service.”

“I am pleased to learn that Governor Murphy has formally signed S1445/A3803 into law—the new NJ bill designed to enhance support and benefits for the veterans who call New Jersey home. This measure represents a vital step toward ensuring that every veteran receives the care, recognition, and educational opportunities they deserve,” said Luddie H. Austin, Commander, Dept. of NJ VFW. “On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, I extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Murphy for his steadfast commitment to our community and our heroes.”

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