This bill amends N.J.S.18A:39-1 to expand eligibility for school transportation services for nonpublic school pupils. It requires school districts to provide transportation or aid-in-lieu payments for nonpublic school students who reside within the same county as the school district, regardless of the distance from the pupil's residence to the school. Previously, transportation was only mandated for nonpublic schools located within 20 miles of the pupil's residence. The bill also maintains the existing requirement for transportation for public school pupils who live more than two miles from their elementary school or more than 2.5 miles from their secondary school.

Additionally, the bill repeals P.L.1999, c.350, which included the 20-mile limitation for nonpublic school transportation, thereby aligning the law with the new county-based eligibility system. This change aims to simplify and enhance access to transportation services for nonpublic school students, ensuring that those within the same county can receive necessary support without the previous distance restrictions. The act will take effect immediately and will apply to the first full school year following its enactment.