This bill amends existing laws regarding the education and transportation of homeless students in New Jersey. It stipulates that when a homeless child attends school in their district of residence while temporarily living in another district, the district of residence must provide transportation. However, the bill introduces a provision that requires the State to cover any transportation costs that exceed the average per pupil cost for transportation services in the district of residence. Additionally, the bill maintains the current law allowing students who become homeless due to acts of terrorism or natural disasters to remain enrolled in their original school district for up to two years, with the original district responsible for transportation. The new legislation also mandates that the State will cover any transportation costs exceeding the average per pupil cost for these students.

Overall, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on school districts by shifting some transportation costs to the State, ensuring that homeless students have access to education without imposing excessive costs on their districts of residence. The changes are designed to enhance support for homeless students and their families, particularly in the context of emergencies that lead to homelessness.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7B-12.1, 18A:7B-12.3