Permits unexpended nonpublic school textbook aid or aid for Nonpublic Technology Initiative to be used to support other program.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Avi Schnall

Allows reallocating unspent nonpublic school textbook and Nonpublic Technology Initiative funds to other approved programs, with accountability and reporting.

Summary of Bill A-5152 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

The bill authorizes the use of unexpended aid designated for nonpublic school textbook programs or aid for the Nonpublic Technology Initiative to be redirected to support other approved programs.

In short, funds that were appropriated but not spent for specific nonpublic school textbook aid or the Nonpublic Technology Initiative could be redirected to additional or alternative programs rather than reverting to general appropriation or being retained as unspent balances.

Key provisions and changes

Reallocation authority: Allows the state to repurpose unexpended funds that were earmarked for:

Nonpublic school textbook assistance, and/or
Nonpublic Technology Initiative aid for use in other approved programs.

Eligible uses: The bill specifies that the redirected funds must support programs that are authorized under existing State aid laws or related nonpublic school assistance programs, ensuring continued support for students in nonpublic settings through alternative avenues.

Compliance and oversight: The bill would require appropriate procedures to ensure funds are reallocated in a manner consistent with statutory requirements, including any reporting, accountability, and auditing requirements associated with the original programs.

Who or what would be affected

Nonpublic schools: Indirectly affected, as they are the beneficiaries of the original textbook assistance and technology initiative funds; the impact depends on whether redirected funds sustain or expand related support in other approved programs.

Students in nonpublic education: Potentially affected through continued access to technology, instructional materials, or other programmatic supports funded by redirected dollars.

State and local education authorities: Responsible for implementing, tracking, and reporting on the reallocation of funds, ensuring compliance with statutory limits and oversight provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative process: The bill would follow the standard New Jersey statutory process for appropriation-related changes, requiring committee consideration, potential amendments, and eventual floor action in the General Assembly.

Implementation timeline: The bill would designate an effective date (often July 1 of the following fiscal year or another specified date) and may include transitional provisions to allocate unexpended balances as of a defined date.

Reporting requirements: Likely to include annual or periodic reporting on reallocated funds, showing amounts moved, programs funded, and measurable outcomes.

Potential impact and considerations

Flexibility in funding: Provides a mechanism to ensure resources are not idle but redirected to where they are most needed within approved nonpublic program alternatives.

Budgetary transparency: Requires clear accounting and auditability to track how unexpended funds are used after reallocation.

Policy alignment: Must align with broader state aid policies for nonpublic education and maintain compliance with statutory constraints on use of public funds for nonpublic purposes.

If you would like, I can add any available fiscal details, sponsor statements, or related bill history to further contextualize this summary.