The bill amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to include provisions for state funding related to the excess costs of transporting homeless students to out-of-district public schools. It specifies that the state will cover these transportation costs, ensuring that homeless students are supported in their educational access. Additionally, the bill requires that certain nonprofit nonpublic schools share in the transportation costs with the sending school districts, promoting a more equitable distribution of financial responsibilities.

The bill also introduces a new section regarding categorical programs, which will receive state funding for various educational expenses. This includes provisions for affording bus transportation to homeless students who may be counted for reimbursement to cities and towns under the state aid formula. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5980: 16-7.2-6, 16-21.1-1