NJ S115

Creates a three-year pilot program in Ocean County where a consortium of nonpublic schools assumes responsibility for mandated student transportation instead of local school districts

Commissioner of Education disburses $1,000 per pupil (aid in-lieu-of transportation amount) directly to the county consortium for each nonpublic school student requiring transportation under state law

Parents receive the $1,000 payment directly if the lowest transportation bid exceeds the aid amount; unexpended funds may be used for courtesy busing or must be refunded to the Department of Education

Establishes a five-member oversight committee (three gubernatorial appointees, one Senate President appointee, one Assembly Speaker appointee) and requires annual independent audits

Commissioner must submit a report two years after program launch with recommendations on continuing and expanding the program statewide; consortium assumes assets and liabilities from a prior Lakewood Township pilot program