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. Additionally, it clarifies that in any subsequent school year, the district where the child attends school will be considered the district of residence. The bill also defines "homeless" as an individual who temporarily lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate residence.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the responsibilities of the district of residence in terms of educational placement and financial obligations. The district in which the parent or guardian last resided will determine the child's educational placement after consulting with the parent or guardian. If the child attends school in a different district, the original district of residence will cover tuition and transportation costs for that school year. However, if the child has been in a domestic violence shelter, homeless shelter, or transitional living facility for over a year, the State will assume the tuition costs. This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that homeless students receive appropriate educational support.

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