Requires school districts to provide transportation to public and nonpublic school pupils living along hazardous routes.
Impact
Under the provisions of A925, the Commissioner of Transportation, in partnership with the Commissioner of Education, is tasked with defining what constitutes a 'hazardous route'. These definitions will differentiate between urban, suburban, and rural settings and will take into account several factors such as traffic volume, average speeds, and the presence of safe passageways for pedestrians. The implementation of the bill is expected to require districts to adjust their transportation policies to ensure compliance with the new statutory requirements.
Summary
Assembly Bill A925, also referred to as the 'Student Safety Act of 2018', mandates that public school districts provide transportation services for both public and nonpublic school students who reside along designated hazardous routes. The bill stipulates that these districts will be eligible for state aid amounting to 100% of the costs associated with providing such transportation. The aim is to enhance safety for students who may potentially be exposed to dangerous conditions while traveling to school.
Contention
Critics of the bill argue that defining hazardous routes could lead to inconsistencies and subjective decision-making by local authorities. Concerns have been raised that without clear, standardized criteria, students' eligibility for transportation services may vary significantly across school districts. Additionally, some districts may struggle with the financial implications of implementing the required changes, particularly if state funding does not cover all the incurred costs. Nevertheless, supporters emphasize that the safety of students is paramount, particularly in areas with high traffic or poorly maintained roadways.
Requires Commissioner of Education to establish criteria to be used by school districts in designating hazardous routes and provides State aid for each student transported along designated hazardous routes.
Expands eligibility for school transportation services for nonpublic school pupils; repeals law concerning transportation of certain nonpublic school students.
Establishes three-year nonpublic school pupil transportation pilot program in Ocean County to provide funding to county consortium of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Alters date by which school districts notify parents of nonpublic school students of eligibility for bus transportation or aid in-lieu-of transportation payment from August 1 to July 15.
Modifies cost thresholds for reimbursement of extraordinary special education costs; requires State to bear full cost of nonpublic school transportation for certain school districts.
Permits school districts to utilize on-demand micro transit programs for provision of pupil transportation services; establishes grant program to incentivize use of on-demand micro transit programs for pupil transportation.
Provides for licensure of emergency medical responders and emergency medical technicians and certification of mobility assistance vehicle operators; revises requirements for delivery of emergency medical and patient transportation services.