This bill amends current law to establish annual fellowship stipends for participants in the Direct Support Professional Career Development Program, which supports individuals providing services to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The legislation introduces a requirement for an annual appropriation from the General Fund to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, starting in Fiscal Year 2026, to ensure the ongoing funding necessary to fulfill the program's provisions.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education will distribute grants to the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to support the program and cover living expenses for participants. It also allows for funding to assist existing direct support professionals in furthering their education, while limiting administrative expenses to no more than 10% of the appropriated funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:64A-86