New Jersey-2024-ACR135-Introduced

A Concurrent Resolution proposing to amend Article VIII, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution.

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey (the Senate concurring):

1. The following proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of New Jersey is agreed to:

PROPOSED AMENDMENT

Amend Article VIII, Section IV, paragraph 1 to read as follows:

1. The Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all the children in the State between the ages of five and eighteen years.

No student shall be compelled to attend a public school other than the public school nearest the residence of the student, which public school is located within the school district in which the student resides and provides the course of study pursued by the student.

2. When this proposed amendment to the Constitution is finally agreed to pursuant to Article IX, paragraph 1 of the Constitution, it shall be submitted to the people at the next general election occurring more than three months after the final agreement and shall be published at least once in at least one newspaper of each county designated by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the General Assembly and the Secretary of State, not less than three months prior to the general election.

3. This proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be submitted to the people at that election in the following manner and form:

There shall be printed on each official ballot to be used at the general election, the following:

a. In every municipality in which voting machines are not used, a legend which shall immediately precede the question as follows:

If you favor the proposition printed below make a cross (X), plus (+), or check (a) in the square opposite the word "Yes." If you are opposed thereto make a cross (X), plus (+) or check (a) in the square opposite the word "No."

b. In every municipality the following question:

		CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROHIBITING COMPELLING THE ATTENDANCE OF A STUDENT AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL OTHER THAN THE ONE NEAREST THE STUDENT'S RESIDENCE
	YES	Do you approve amending the Constitution to prohibit compelling any student to attend a public school other than the public school (1) nearest to the student's residence; and (2) located within the school district in which the student resides; and (3) that provides the course of study being pursued by the student?
		INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT
	NO	This amendment would prohibit forcing any student to attend a public school other than the public school that is in the student's school district and is nearest to the student's home. The public school nearest to the student's home would have to be providing the course of study being pursued by the student.

STATEMENT

This constitutional amendment would prohibit compelling any student to attend a public school other than the public school nearest to the student's residence and which is located within the school district in which the student resides, provided the public school provides the course of study which the student is pursuing.