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 their district of residence while temporarily living in another district, the district of residence must provide transportation to and from school. 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, the bill addresses students who become homeless due to acts of terrorism or natural disasters, allowing them to remain enrolled in their original school district for up to two years, provided their parent or guardian remains homeless. In this case, the original district is also required to provide transportation, with the State bearing any costs that exceed the average per pupil transportation costs for that district. These changes aim to alleviate the financial burden on school districts while ensuring that homeless students have access to education and necessary transportation.

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