STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 4203

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed by Senator RUIZ)

ADOPTED: DECEMBER 20, 2021

      These Senate amendments revise the bill’s permanent elimination of the State residency requirement for public school employees to provide, instead, for a three year period during which a person hired by a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project will not be required to comply with the State residency requirement under R.S.52:14-7. 

      The amendments also specify that a person hired by a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project who maintains or establishes a principal residence outside of this State during the three year period will not be required to comply with the residency requirement after the end of the three year period, regardless of whether the person changes their principal residence or experiences a break in service or employment with a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project after the end of the three year period.

      The amendments require the Department of Education, not later than 90 days after the end of the three year period, to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature that evaluates the elimination of the residency requirement for persons hired by a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project during the three year period, with specific regard to its effectiveness, any unintended consequences, and any recommendations for legislation.