This bill amends the current law regarding the financial responsibility for educating homeless students. It establishes that the district of residence for a homeless child, for the remainder of the current school year, will be the district where the parent or guardian last resided before becoming homeless. The bill also clarifies that in subsequent school years, the district where the child attends school will be considered the district of residence, thus assuming the financial responsibilities for the child's education.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for determining the educational placement of homeless children. It stipulates that the district in which the parent or guardian last resided must consult with them to decide whether to continue the child's education in the last attended school, enroll them in the district of last residence, or place them in the school district where they are temporarily living, based on what is in the child's best interest. The bill also outlines the financial obligations of the district of residence regarding tuition and transportation costs for homeless students, ensuring that these costs are covered appropriately.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7B-12, 18A:7B-12.1