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 modifies Section 3 of P.L.1989, c.290 and Section 1 of P.L.2015, c.228 by inserting language that specifies the State's responsibility for transportation costs exceeding the average per pupil cost. It deletes the previous requirement for transportation to be provided pursuant to N.J.S.18A:58-7, thereby streamlining the process and ensuring that the financial burden of transportation for homeless students is shared with the State. 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