New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4086

Introduced
3/18/24  

Caption

Provides additional State school aid to school districts experiencing enrollment increases due to conversion of age-restricted housing developments to non-restricted developments.

Impact

The implementation of A4086 is expected to affect various state laws related to school funding. Specifically, the bill proposes amendments to existing statutes, allowing for new calculations of aid based on a district's projected resident enrollment and actual resident enrollment prior to dwelling occupancy in converted developments. The financial assistance provided under this bill is structured to alleviate the budgetary strains that schools may experience as they adapt to changing populations, ultimately aiming to enhance educational opportunities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4086 seeks to provide additional state school aid to school districts that experience increases in student enrollment due to the conversion of age-restricted housing developments into non-restricted developments. This bill aims to address the impact on local schools as demographic shifts occur when these housing units become available to a broader population. By adjusting financial support to schools facing increased enrollment, the bill intends to ensure that educational resources keep pace with the rising number of students.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding A4086 concerns the adequacy of the calculations used to determine state aid. Opponents may argue that the proposed aid formula could inadequately address the financial needs of districts that undergo significant demographic changes. Additionally, there are concerns about the implications for local governance and planning, as this bill may incentivize or unintentionally pressure municipalities to convert age-restricted developments more rapidly without full consideration of community needs.

Implementation

If enacted, the law would take effect immediately but would first apply during the fiscal year following its passage. This immediate applicability underscores the urgency that lawmakers place on addressing the needs of school districts impacted by housing market shifts. Overall, A4086 represents a proactive effort by state legislators to align educational funding with the evolving landscape of housing and community demographics.

Companion Bills

NJ S2880

Same As Provides additional State school aid to school districts experiencing enrollment increases due to conversion of age-restricted housing developments to non-restricted developments.

NJ S1636

Carry Over Provides additional State school aid to school districts experiencing enrollment increases due to conversion of age-restricted housing developments to non-restricted developments.

Similar Bills

NJ A4049

Requires second enrollment count for determining State school aid.

NJ A3452

Provides tax levy cap adjustment for certain school districts experiencing reductions in State school aid.

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 S3081

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 S3917

Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force.

NJ A5509

Modifies school district property tax cap law; appropriates $67.9 million to provide additional State school aid to school districts experiencing reductions in 2025-2026 school year.

NJ A942

Requires five-year average of equalized property valuation be used in calculation of local share under State school funding formula.

NJ A5310

Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force.