Bill
Bill > A6085
NJ A6085
NJ A6085Requires board of education to award certain transportation contracts to most appropriate bidder; requires board of education to hold transportation meeting prior to awarding certain transportation contracts for students with disabilities.
summary
Introduced
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
In Committee
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires a board of education to award certain transportation contracts for students with disabilities to the most appropriate bidder and requires the board of education to hold a transportation meeting prior to awarding these contracts. Under the bill, a board of education entering into a contract to provide transportation to a student with a disability with special transportation requirements is required to award the contract to the bidder or vendor whose bid will be most appropriate for the student with a disability with special transportation requirements and the board of education considering price, the outcomes of the transportation meeting required by the bill, and other factors. This differs from current State law, which generally requires school transportation contracts to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Additionally, the bill requires a board of education to, prior to awarding contracts for the transportation of a student with a disability with special transportation requirements, arrange a transportation meeting with the parent or guardian of the student. The meeting would involve the parent or guardian, the bidder or vendor submitting bids on the contract, the student's case manager, and representatives from the school district, to discuss the transportation needs of the student and ensure the bidder or vendor can adequately perform the services necessary to transport the student in accordance with the student's individualized education program. The board of education is required to consider the outcome of the transportation meeting when awarding the transportation contract. The board is prohibited from awarding the contract to a bidder or vendor who fails to demonstrate an ability to adequately perform the services necessary to transport the student.
AI Summary
This bill modifies how school boards award transportation contracts for students with disabilities who have special transportation requirements. Currently, school districts must award contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, but this bill allows boards of education to select the most appropriate bidder based on multiple factors, including price and the outcome of a required pre-contract transportation meeting. The bill mandates that before awarding a transportation contract, the board must arrange a meeting involving the student's parent or guardian, potential transportation vendors, the student's case manager, and school district representatives to discuss the student's specific transportation needs as outlined in their individualized education program (IEP). The board is prohibited from awarding the contract to any vendor who cannot demonstrate the ability to adequately meet the student's transportation requirements. The bill defines a "student with a disability with special transportation requirements" using a specific legal reference and will take effect 180 days after enactment, with the Commissioner of Education allowed to take preparatory administrative actions in advance. This change aims to ensure that students with disabilities receive transportation services that are most suitable to their individual needs, rather than being constrained by cost considerations alone.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 11/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6085 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6085_I2.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6085_I1.HTM |
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