New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3119

Introduced
1/9/24  
Refer
1/9/24  
Chaptered
1/9/24  

Caption

Revises various provisions of law governing construction of school facilities projects and operations of New Jersey Schools Development Authority; establishes "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program" in EDA.

Impact

The proposed changes will streamline the process for charter and renaissance schools to obtain funding for facility projects. By allowing these institutions to raise bonds without voter approval under certain conditions, the bill paves the way for quicker financial responses to pressing infrastructure needs. While this aims to expedite the necessary improvements in school facilities, it also raises concerns about the prioritization of state finances, particularly how administrative costs related to bond issuance will be supported. The bill aims to ensure that these facilities meet defined safety and efficiency standards required for modern educational environments.

Summary

Bill A3119 introduces significant changes to the statutes governing the construction of school facilities in New Jersey. It primarily focuses on establishing a 'Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program' under the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA). This initiative aims to facilitate financial assistance for non-profit charter and renaissance schools located in Schools Development Authority (SDA) districts, which are identified as needing urgent facilities improvements. The program will provide loans, with favorable terms, to address essential operational building needs, including health and safety compliance, which are crucial for effective educational environments.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has become a point of contention among various stakeholders. Critics, particularly those representing traditional school districts, argue that prioritizing funding for charter schools may divert essential resources away from public school systems, potentially harming their operational capacities. There is also apprehension regarding the long-term implications of increased school facility funding, especially in how this funding could set precedents for the operational independence of charter schools versus transparency and accountability measures that are typically required in public education funding.

Companion Bills

NJ A4496

Carry Over Revises various provisions of law governing construction of school facilities projects and operations of New Jersey Schools Development Authority; establishes "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program" in EDA.

NJ S3247

Carry Over Revises various provisions of law governing construction of school facilities projects and operations of New Jersey Schools Development Authority; establishes "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program" in EDA.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4496

Revises various provisions of law governing construction of school facilities projects and operations of New Jersey Schools Development Authority; establishes "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program" in EDA.

NJ S3247

Revises various provisions of law governing construction of school facilities projects and operations of New Jersey Schools Development Authority; establishes "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program" in EDA.

NJ A4533

Revises certain sections of law concerning financing mechanisms for school facilities projects of regular operating districts.

NJ S58

Eliminates NJ Schools Development Authority and transfers its school construction responsibilities to EDA.

NJ S3421

Revises certain sections of law concerning financing mechanisms for school facilities projects of regular operating districts.

NJ A4670

Requires $1 million annual appropriation to certain educational services commissions for school facilities projects and school security improvements.

NJ S4115

Permits SDA districts to receive State debt service aid for eligible costs of certain school facilities projects.

NJ A4161

Establishes Stabilized School Budget Aid Grant Program to restore certain portions of State school aid reductions; permits certain school districts to exceed tax levy growth limitation in 2024-2025 school year; appropriates $44.7 million.

NJ S4131

Authorizes educational services commissions to apply for grant for State share of school facilities projects.

NJ A4300

Revises various provisions of the New Jersey Aspire Program.

Similar Bills

NJ A4496

Revises various provisions of law governing construction of school facilities projects and operations of New Jersey Schools Development Authority; establishes "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program" in EDA.

NJ S3247

Revises various provisions of law governing construction of school facilities projects and operations of New Jersey Schools Development Authority; establishes "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program" in EDA.

NJ S58

Eliminates NJ Schools Development Authority and transfers its school construction responsibilities to EDA.

NJ S4115

Permits SDA districts to receive State debt service aid for eligible costs of certain school facilities projects.

NJ S4114

Increases maximum lease in certain public-private partnership agreements from 30 to 40 years.

NJ A4619

Modifies certain provisions of Historic Property Reinvestment and Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive programs.

NJ S3479

Modifies certain provisions of Historic Property Reinvestment and Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive programs.

NJ S4135

Provides allowance for certain redevelopment projects undertaken by institutions of higher education under New Jersey Aspire program.