The bill establishes the Scientific Conference Grant Program within the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education in New Jersey, aimed at providing financial support to institutions of higher education that host scientific conferences and seminars. The program will award grants to help cover costs associated with these events, including expenses for event spaces and speakers, such as fees, honoraria, travel, and lodging. However, the grants cannot be used for food costs or other vendor expenses unrelated to the event space.

To fund this initiative, the bill appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Institutions seeking grants must submit an application that includes a description and preliminary agenda for the conference or seminar, the credentials of invited speakers, and relevant cost information. The secretary will determine the grant amounts based on the applications received. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.