The hearing on the bill was odd, with none of the bill’s sponsors, nor anyone else, testifying in favor or against the bill. Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (R-Ocean) asked if any members knew “why are we doing this right now.” Committee chair Mila Jasey (D-Essex) responded, “I actually don’t have any information on that.” Still, there was a quick call for a vote, which was approved 5-0, with Gove abstaining because she said she wanted more information. The hearing took less than two minutes.
Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer) later said he introduced the bill at the request of Mercer County Community College. He said the school has some unique programs, including its culinary and aviation programs, that attract students from other counties and even from out of state, as well as “a strong number of international students.”