Requires unexpended State aid for nonpublic school nursing services and nonpublic school security services to be used to support nonpublic school transportation services.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and 2 co-sponsors

The bill allows unspent state aid for nonpublic school nursing and security services to be redirected to other approved programs.

Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-5153 (Session 222)

Purpose and intent

A-5153 proposes to modify how unexpended State aid allocated for nonpublic school nursing services and nonpublic school security services can be used.

Specifically, it would allow the unexpended State aid designated for these two areas to be redirected to support other programs, rather than being restricted to nursing or security services alone.

Key provisions

Allowance to reallocate: Unexpended State aid previously earmarked for nonpublic school nursing services can be used for other authorized programs.

Allowance to reallocate: Unexpended State aid previously earmarked for nonpublic school security services can be used for other authorized programs.

Eligibility and governance: The bill would establish or rely on existing state guidelines to determine what other programs are eligible to receive redirected funds, ensuring the reallocation complies with applicable laws and oversight requirements.

Oversight and accountability: The bill is expected to specify reporting, auditing, or oversight mechanisms to track how redirected funds are used and to prevent misuse.

Beneficiaries and affected parties

Nonpublic (private) schools that currently receive State aid for nursing and security services.

Students attending nonpublic schools who benefit indirectly through improved or redirected program funding.

School district administrators and state education officials responsible for administering and auditing nonpublic school aid and related programs.

Temporal and procedural aspects

The bill would modify how funds are treated after the end of a fiscal period if unexpended.

It likely involves amendments to existing statutes governing the allocation and administration of State aid to nonpublic schools, including procedural steps for reallocating funds (e.g., approvals, reporting timelines).

Potential impact and considerations

Financial flexibility: Districts and nonpublic schools could repurpose funds to support broader programmatic needs, enhancing overall educational offerings when nursing or security funds remain unspent.

Equity and access: Depending on implementation, there could be concerns about ensuring that reductions in dedicated nursing or security funding do not undermine student safety or health services; the bill would need safeguards to maintain essential services.

Oversight and compliance: Clear guidelines and auditing provisions are important to ensure redirected funds are used in ways permitted by law and for legitimate educational purposes.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s stated title and sponsorship information. For a complete understanding, reviewing the full text of A-5153, amendments, committee statements, fiscal notes, and any floor amendments would be necessary.