Extends limit for nonpublic school busing to 30 miles in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Ocean, Salem, Sussex, and Warren Counties, and requires existing bus stops to be used.
Impact
By extending the busing distance to 30 miles, A3635 promotes accessibility for students living in rural areas, particularly affecting communities in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Ocean, Salem, Sussex, and Warren Counties. As it stands, current law restricts transportation eligibility based on shorter distances, which has made it challenging for some students to attend their chosen nonpublic schools. With this bill, the state will also take on the financial responsibility for any transportation costs incurred by school districts, further alleviating the fiscal burdens previously faced by these educational institutions.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3635 seeks to amend New Jersey state law concerning transportation services for nonpublic school students. Specifically, the bill extends the distance limit for busing nonpublic school students from 20 miles to 30 miles from their residence, allowing those who live in certain counties to receive transportation to their school. This change only applies to specific counties designated as third, sixth, second with low population density, or fifth class as defined in the 2000 federal census. The legislation is designed to support pupils attending nonpublic schools who reside farther away by ensuring adequate transportation options.
Contention
Notable points of contention surround the implications of the extended distance; supporters argue it enhances educational access for students living in underserved areas, while opponents may raise concerns regarding the efficacy and funding of expanded transportation services. Additionally, while the bill includes provisions for an 'in-lieu-of payment' if the cost of transportation exceeds certain thresholds, debates may emerge over the adequacy of provided funds to ensure that the transportation needs of nonpublic school students are met adequately. The legislation may also provoke discussions about equity in education and the discussion around state support for nonpublic school operations.
Extends limit for nonpublic school busing to 30 miles in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Ocean, Salem, Sussex, and Warren Counties, and requires existing bus stops to be used.
Creates nonpublic school transportation program; requires consortiums of nonpublic schools to assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Creates nonpublic school transportation program; requires consortiums of nonpublic schools to assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes three-year nonpublic school pupil transportation pilot program in Ocean County to provide funding to county consortium of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes three-year nonpublic school pupil transportation pilot program in Ocean County to provide funding to county consortium of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.