This bill mandates that the Commissioner of Education must provide prior written approval for publicly funded out-of-State travel by school district employees and board of education members in certain school districts. Specifically, this requirement applies to districts that derive 70 percent or more of their total revenue from State aid, as reported in the Taxpayers Guide to Education Spending or any successor document. The bill stipulates that the superintendent of schools must secure the commissioner's approval before seeking the board of education's majority approval for such travel, and similarly, the board must obtain the commissioner's approval before seeking its own majority approval.

The legislation aims to enhance oversight and accountability regarding the use of public funds for travel by school district personnel and board members. By requiring the commissioner's approval, the bill seeks to ensure that travel expenditures are justified and align with the educational priorities of the state, particularly in districts heavily reliant on state funding. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.