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Bill

A 888

Requires minimum of one school bus aide for every 15 special needs students on school bus.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and 2 co-sponsors

Summary of Bill A-888 (New Jersey) OverviewA-888 requires that school buses transporting students with special needs carry a dedicated school bus aide at a minimum ratio of one aid

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 888

Summary of Bill A-888 (New Jersey)

Overview

A-888 requires that school buses transporting students with special needs carry a dedicated school bus aide at a minimum ratio of one aide for every 15 students with special needs. The ratio must be maintained at all times during transportation, including trips that mix special needs and general education students. The bill defines who counts as a “student with special needs” and specifies when the act takes effect.

Key Provisions

  • On-board Staffing: A board of education or a contractor providing pupil transportation under a board’s contract must ensure at least one school bus aide for every 15 students with special needs on each bus.
  • Continuous Compliance: The aide-to-student ratio must be maintained at all times when transporting students with special needs or a mix of special needs and general education students.
  • Definition of “Student with Special Needs”: Means a student classified as eligible for special education programs and services, excluding those classified solely on the basis of a “specific learning disability” as defined by the federal IDEA.
  • Effective Date: The act takes effect immediately but first applies to the first full school year following enactment.

Definitions and Scope

  • “Student with special needs” excludes students whose eligibility is solely for a specific learning disability under IDEA.
  • Applies to all boards of education and contractors providing pupil transportation services under contract with a board of education.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Immediate effect, with applicability beginning in the first full school year after enactment.
  • Requires ongoing compliance once the school year starts; staffing levels must be maintained for the duration of transport.

Affected Parties

  • School districts and boards of education.
  • Contractors that provide pupil transportation services under contract with districts.
  • Students classified as eligible for special education (excluding those with eligibility solely for specific learning disabilities).

Legislative Status and Related Measures

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to Assembly Education Committee
  • Related Bill: S 1549 (companion)

Notes

  • The bill focuses on ensuring consistent supervision and safety for students with special needs during bus transport by mandating a specified aide ratio.
  • Potential implications include staffing requirements and associated costs for districts and transportation contractors.

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

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