This bill establishes the Eagleton Science and Politics Fellowship Program at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, codifying its operations and funding. The program will select six fellows each year, referred to as the John Weingart Science Fellows, who are scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals with a PhD or equivalent degree. These fellows will work full-time for one year, with three assigned to the New Jersey Legislature and three to the Executive Branch, providing their expertise to support evidence-based decision-making in public policy. The program aims to bridge the gap between science and politics, enhancing the capabilities of state government officials.

To finance the fellowship program, the bill appropriates $338,000 from the State General Fund to cover stipends and administrative costs, in addition to the $320,000 already allocated in the FY 2024 Annual Appropriations Act. Each fellow will receive a stipend of $60,000 along with health, dental, and vision benefits. The director of the Eagleton Institute will appoint a director for the fellowship program, who will oversee the administration, recruitment, and selection of the fellows.