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 a district other than their district of residence, the district of residence is responsible for providing 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, it allows 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 same stipulation regarding transportation costs being covered by the State.

The bill also modifies the language in current law to clarify the responsibilities of the districts and the State regarding tuition and transportation for homeless students. Specifically, it removes the previous requirement for transportation to be provided pursuant to N.J.S.18A:58-7 and inserts the new provision that the State will bear the excess transportation costs. This change aims to alleviate the financial burden on school districts while ensuring that homeless students have access to education and necessary transportation services. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to the first full school year following its enactment.

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