This bill establishes the Eagleton Science and Politics Fellowship Program at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, codifying a program that has been operational for several years. The program aims to integrate scientific expertise into New Jersey's legislative and executive branches by selecting six fellows annually, referred to as the John Weingart Science Fellows. These fellows, who must hold a PhD or equivalent in natural sciences, engineering, or healthcare, will work full-time for one year, receiving a stipend of $60,000 along with health, dental, and vision benefits. Their placements will be determined by the program's director in consultation with relevant state offices.

To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $338,000 from the State General Fund to cover the stipends and administrative costs associated with the fellowship program. This funding is in addition to the $320,000 already allocated in the FY 2024 Annual Appropriations Act. The program is designed to enhance the decision-making capabilities of state officials by providing them with access to advanced scientific knowledge and technical skills, thereby fostering a better understanding of the intersection between science and public policy.