This bill amends existing New Jersey law to extend tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education to residents who are members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States, as well as to their children and surviving spouses. Specifically, it allows these individuals to attend regularly-scheduled courses and receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free, provided they meet certain criteria, such as completing Initial Active Duty Training and maintaining good standing as a member of their respective military component. The bill also clarifies that eligible reserve components include the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Reserve, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve.

Key amendments include the addition of definitions for "member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States" and the conditions under which children or surviving spouses of these members can receive tuition benefits if the member was killed in the line of duty. The bill also stipulates that no public institution shall impose nonresident tuition rates on eligible members and their families. The changes are designed to ensure that those who serve in the reserves and their families receive similar educational benefits as those provided to members of the New Jersey National Guard. The bill is set to take effect immediately and will first apply to the academic year following its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:62-23, 18A:62-24, 18A:62-25, 18A:62-24.1, 18A:62-25.1