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Bill > A2879


NJ A2879

NJ A2879
Provides for full funding of extraordinary special education State aid.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill provides that, in the first full school year following the date of enactment and in each school year thereafter, the State will fund extraordinary special education aid at 100 percent of the amount calculated under current law. Under current law, districts may apply for reimbursement for certain costs of educating students with disabilities when the costs exceed $40,000 (if the student is educated in a public school program) or $55,000 (if the student attends a private school for students with disabilities). The reimbursement rates included in the State school funding law are 90 percent of the expenditures above the threshold for students educated in a public school program with other students who do not have disabilities and 75 percent for other students. In recent years, the annual appropriations act has not provided sufficient funding to reimburse school districts for 100 percent of the extraordinary special education costs calculated under current law. In fiscal year 2023, the $420 million appropriation for extraordinary special education aid funded approximately 83.9 percent of total eligible costs incurred by school districts in the 2021-2022 school year.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that starting in the first full school year after its enactment and for every year thereafter, the State will fully fund extraordinary special education aid at 100% of the amount calculated under existing law. Currently, school districts can seek reimbursement for special education costs that exceed certain thresholds: $40,000 for students educated in public school programs alongside non-disabled peers or in a separate public school program, and $55,000 for students attending private schools for students with disabilities. The existing law reimburses 90% of costs above the $40,000 threshold for students in public school programs with non-disabled peers, and 75% for students in separate public or private school programs. However, in recent years, the State's appropriations have not been sufficient to cover 100% of these calculated extraordinary special education costs, leaving districts to cover a portion of the expenses.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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