New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A655

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Provides tax levy growth limitation adjustment for school districts experiencing reduction in State aid.

Impact

The introduction of A655 signifies a noteworthy shift in how state aid impacts local school funding mechanisms. By allowing districts to adjust their tax levies based on fluctuations in state funding, the bill seeks to cushion the financial blow that localities may feel if state assistance decreases. This could lead to more stable funding levels for school districts, helping them maintain essential educational services despite potential cuts from the state government. If passed, the bill would directly amend the regulations established in P.L.2007, c.62 concerning tax levy growth limitations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A655 aims to modify the restrictions on tax levy increases for school districts in New Jersey when they experience a reduction in state school aid. Under current law, school districts are restricted to a maximum increase of two percent in their tax levy, with allowances made for specific adjustments such as enrollment increases or rising healthcare costs. This bill proposes an additional adjustment specifically for districts facing cuts in state funding, allowing them to increase their tax levy in proportion to the amount of state aid they have lost relative to the previous year. This adjustment is designed to provide school districts with more financial flexibility during times of shrinking state support.

Contention

There are likely various points of contention surrounding A655, particularly regarding how it balances the needs of school districts against the overall state budget and fiscal responsibilities. Some stakeholders may argue that while providing more leeway for tax levy adjustments is beneficial for schools, it could place an added burden on local taxpayers during already challenging economic times. Concerns may also arise regarding the fairness of providing increased tax flexibility for some districts while potentially leaving others in a position of financial hardship if they do not receive similar state aid reductions.

Companion Bills

NJ A625

Carry Over Provides tax levy growth limitation adjustment for school districts experiencing reduction in State aid.

Previously Filed As

NJ A625

Provides tax levy growth limitation adjustment for school districts experiencing reduction in State aid.

NJ A3452

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

NJ S4249

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

NJ A5894

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

NJ S2434

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

NJ S4334

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 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 S1722

Provides an adjustment to school district tax levy cap for increases in special education costs per pupil in excess of $40,000 that exceed such prior year costs by more than 2%.

NJ A378

Provides adjustment to school district tax levy cap for expenditures associated with opening of new school facility during budget year.

NJ A442

Provides adjustment to school district tax levy cap for expenditures associated with opening of new school facility during budget year.

Similar Bills

NJ A625

Provides tax levy growth limitation adjustment for school districts experiencing reduction in State aid.

NJ A5786

Excludes certain increases in school security expenditures from the tax levy cap applicable to school districts.

NJ S1722

Provides an adjustment to school district tax levy cap for increases in special education costs per pupil in excess of $40,000 that exceed such prior year costs by more than 2%.

NJ S4334

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 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 S1655

Requires nonpublic secondary schools and independent institutions of higher education to make payment to school districts for educational costs of students residing in tax-exempt housing upon adoption of resolution by municipal governing body.

NJ S1539

Requires nonpublic secondary schools and independent institutions of higher education to make payment to school districts for educational costs of students residing in tax-exempt housing upon adoption of resolution by municipal governing body.

NJ A378

Provides adjustment to school district tax levy cap for expenditures associated with opening of new school facility during budget year.