Public colleges could offer emergency grants for students' living costs

The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority would establish an emergency grant program, and public colleges and universities would award grants to eligible students. The program would serve undergraduate students enrolled at New Jersey public colleges and universities who face unexpected financial crises and need help with living costs, such as food, housing, transportation, medical care, technology, or childcare. The authority would distribute funds only up to available appropriations and other available funds. The bill would put $1.5 million from the General Fund into the program fund. The authority would set program rules with input from higher education officials and institutions. The rules would cover eligibility, allowed uses, applications, grant limits, and recordkeeping. Grants could not pay tuition, fees, or student loans. To the extent the law allows, grants would not count as State student aid or taxable income. Each college's financial aid office would handle applications, distribute grants, and tell recipients about other campus, community, and government support. If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately, but grants would be available in the first full academic year after enactment.