This bill amends current law to allow resident school districts the option to provide payments in-lieu-of transportation to parents of pupils attending county vocational school districts, rather than being required to provide transportation services. Specifically, if a pupil lives more than two and one-half miles from the county vocational school, the school district of residence may choose to either provide transportation or offer an annual payment to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the pupil. This change gives school districts greater flexibility in managing transportation for students attending these schools.

Additionally, the bill extends this provision to pupils attending the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, allowing the same options for transportation or payment in-lieu of transportation. The bill also repeals a section of existing law, further streamlining the regulations surrounding transportation for vocational school pupils. The changes are set to take effect on July 1 of the first full school year following the enactment of the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:54-20.1, 18A:54C-7