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S 3537

A bill to provide that an individual who uses marijuana in compliance with State law may not be denied occupancy of federally assisted housing, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Cory Booker and 1 co-sponsor

State funds transportation for homeless students attending non-resident districts if costs exceed the district’s average per-pupil transport cost, including disaster/terrorism moves.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3537

Summary of New Jersey Senate Bill S 3537

Note: The following summary is based on the text and materials provided for Senate Bill S 3537, which appears to address transportation funding for homeless students in New Jersey, including amendments to existing education laws.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to ensure that the State provides partial funding for transportation costs when homeless students attend school in a district other than their district of residence. Specifically, it requires the State to cover transportation costs that exceed the district’s average per-pupil transportation cost.
  • It also updates rules governing students who move between districts due to homelessness arising from terrorism or natural disasters, ensuring the State bears transportation costs exceeding the average per-pupil cost for the district last resided in before homelessness.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Transportation funded by State beyond local district costs:
    • When a homeless child attends school in a district other than the district of residence, the district of residence currently pays transportation costs. The bill requires the State to cover any transportation costs that exceed the district’s average per-pupil transportation cost.
  • Tuition and transportation for homeless students in another district:
    • If a homeless child attends school in a district other than the district of residence, the district of residence pays tuition and transportation costs, except in cases where the child has resided in a domestic violence shelter, homeless shelter, or transitional living facility in another district for more than one year, in which case the State pays tuition. The bill extends State funding to transportation costs that exceed the average per-pupil transportation cost of the district last resided in prior to homelessness.
  • Extensions for terrorism or natural disaster homelessness:
    • For students who move due to terrorism or natural disasters (where a State of emergency or disaster is declared), current law allows enrollment in the district where the parent/guardian last resided for up to two school years tuition-free, with transportation provided by that district. The bill requires the State to cover any transportation costs that exceed the district’s average per-pupil transportation cost for the district last resided in.
  • Effective date:
    • The act would take effect immediately and apply to the first full school year following enactment.

3) Affected Parties

  • Homeless students and their families:
    • Particularly those attending a school in a district other than their district of residence, and those residing temporarily in shelters or facilities.
  • School districts:
    • Districts of residence and districts where homeless students temporarily attend, which currently bear transportation costs. The bill shifts a portion of transportation cost burden to the State when costs exceed district averages.
  • State Education Authorities:
    • Responsible for implementing financial transfers and ensuring compliance with the new funding requirements.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: September 12, 2024 (Senate)
  • Committee action:
    • December 5, 2024: Reported out of the Senate Education Committee (2nd Reading)
    • December 5, 2024: Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
  • Legislative actions listed (may reflect multiple sessions or amendments):
    • Other entries show subsequent referrals and committee actions in 2025 and beyond, including a Note of related/sister bills (A 9157, A 4545, etc.)
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor listed as George Borrello (note: the sponsor name may reflect cross-jurisdictional labeling or a companion/related measure; check official records for the exact sponsor and district).

5) Fiscal Considerations

  • The central fiscal impact is the potential shift of partial transportation costs from local districts to the State, but only to the extent that those costs exceed each district’s average per-pupil transportation cost.
  • The exact appropriation level would depend on enrollment, the number of eligible students, and district transportation cost baselines.

6) Related Provisions and Context

  • The bill amends:
    • P.L.1989, c.290 (regarding transportation and tuition for homeless students)
    • P.L.2015, c.228 (flexibility for homeless students affected by terrorism or natural disasters)
  • Policy context centers on ensuring continuity of education for homeless students while distributing transportation costs between local districts and the State.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill’s text to current law to highlight all specific changes line-by-line or prepare a side-by-side comparison with related companion bills.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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