This bill amends existing laws regarding the education and transportation of homeless students in New Jersey. It establishes that the district of residence for a homeless child is responsible for their education and must determine the child's educational placement after consulting with the parent or guardian. The bill specifies that if a homeless child attends school in a district other than their district of residence, the district of residence is responsible for tuition costs. However, the bill removes the requirement for the district of residence to pay for transportation costs incurred by the district where the child is attending school.

Importantly, the bill introduces a provision that the State will reimburse the district that provides transportation to and from school for a homeless child. This reimbursement applies to both cases where the child is attending school in a different district and for students who remain enrolled in their previous district due to homelessness resulting from terrorism or natural disasters. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on school districts by ensuring that the State covers transportation costs for homeless students. The act is set to take effect on July 1 following its enactment.

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