This bill amends N.J.S.18A:71B-2 to establish that a student convicted of hazing or aggravated hazing, as defined under P.L.1980, c.169 (C.2C:40-3 et seq.), will be ineligible for State financial aid. The new legal language specifies that such convictions will disqualify students from receiving any form of financial assistance administered by the State. This measure aims to address the ongoing issue of hazing in educational institutions, which has resulted in severe and sometimes fatal incidents in recent years.

The bill is intended to serve as a deterrent against hazing by imposing significant consequences on students who engage in such behavior. By making financial aid contingent on the absence of hazing convictions, the legislation seeks to promote a safer environment within schools and universities. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.