This bill amends the existing Military Dependents Scholarship program to expand eligibility to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of military members who served in Operation Freedoms Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve. The current law, established under P.L.2015, c.117, provides scholarships for undergraduate study to the spouses, children, or other eligible dependents of New Jersey residents who were killed, listed as "Missing in Action," or permanently disabled due to specific military operations. The bill updates the list of qualifying military engagements to include the two recent operations and increases the eligibility period for scholarships from 15 years to 21 years for spouses and other dependents.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the board of trustees of the Military Dependents Scholarship Fund will now include members affected by the newly added operations. It also clarifies that scholarships can be awarded for both undergraduate studies and approved career and technical education programs. The changes aim to enhance support for military families and ensure that more dependents can access educational opportunities, reflecting the evolving nature of military service and its impact on families.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:71B-100, 18A:71B-101, 18A:71B-102