New Jersey Senate Bill S110

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Includes value of certain properties exempt from taxation in valuation used to calculate State school aid.

Impact

The implications of S110 are significant in terms of educational funding equity across the state. By altering the way the State determines eligible funding, districts currently experiencing financial shortfalls may find relief through increased aid. This is particularly relevant for districts in municipalities where a large number of properties are tax-exempt, as these areas have been historically disadvantaged in State funding. Inclusion of these properties could potentially lead to a more balanced distribution of financial resources, ensuring that all districts receive sufficient aid to support their educational programs.

Summary

Senate Bill S110 seeks to amend the formula used for calculating State aid allocated to school districts in New Jersey. Currently, the State provision takes into account the local property valuations and household incomes when determining the financial resources available to individual districts. However, properties that are exempt from taxation under the Long Term Tax Exemption Law are omitted from this evaluation. This bill aims to rectify this by including the value of such exempt properties in the calculation of a district's wealth, thereby influencing the distribution of State aid more equitably among various school districts.

Contention

Debate surrounding S110 may arise over the redistribution of funding and the impact on school districts with lower valuation amounts versus those with significant tax-exempt properties. Supporters of the bill argue that failing to include exempt properties creates an uneven playing field, disadvantaging districts reliant on State aid. Critics, however, may express concerns about the implications for districts that have made fiscal planning based on the existing funding structure, fearing that changes could lead to budgetary shortfalls that affect educational quality or program availability in their areas.