TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would allow eligible members of the New Jersey National Guard to transfer tuition benefits to a spouse or dependent child has passed the New Jersey Senate.
The bill would expand an existing state program that allows qualifying National Guard members to receive up to 16 tuition-free credits per semester at New Jersey public colleges and universities.
Under the proposal, eligible Guard members could transfer that benefit to one spouse or dependent child. A spouse would be eligible to receive up to 16 tuition-free credits per semester, while a dependent child could receive up to eight tuition-free credits per semester.
“Service in the National Guard is a commitment made not only by the individual who wears the uniform, but by their entire family,” said Sen. Bucco. “Spouses and children share in the sacrifices that come with military service, often putting their own plans and priorities on hold while supporting those who answer the call to serve. Allowing earned tuition benefits to be shared with a spouse or child is a meaningful way to extend educational opportunities to military families and demonstrate our gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day.”
Current law permits eligible members of the New Jersey National Guard to attend public institutions of higher education tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester. To qualify, members must complete Initial Active Duty Training, remain in good standing with the Guard, be enrolled in an approved undergraduate or graduate program, and apply for all available state and federal grants, scholarships and applicable federal tuition assistance benefits.
The legislation would require spouses or dependent children receiving the transferred benefit to be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in good standing and to apply for all available state and federal grants and scholarships for which they are eligible.
According to the bill, National Guard members would be permitted to transfer the tuition benefit to only one person.
The bill now advances for consideration in the New Jersey General Assembly.
