This bill mandates that public institutions of higher education and county colleges in New Jersey enroll individuals who have been in the labor market for at least two years and are unemployed or have received a layoff notice due to factory or plant closings or automation, without requiring payment of tuition for job training courses. The enrollment is contingent upon the individual not being eligible for any available State or federal student financial aid, the availability of classroom space, and the presence of a minimum number of tuition-paying students required for the course. Additionally, institutions may charge a registration fee not exceeding $20.00 per academic term.

The legislation aims to address the growing concern of job loss due to automation, as highlighted by a 2020 ALICE report from United Way of New Jersey, which indicates that a significant percentage of jobs in the state are at high risk of automation. By extending tuition-free enrollment to those affected by automation, the bill seeks to provide support and training opportunities for individuals in vulnerable employment situations, particularly in areas like Ocean County, which has a high concentration of at-risk jobs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:64-13.2, 18A:64A-23.2