Revenue will be used to offset transportation costs and services chosen by Board of Education
Advertisements will be allowed on school buses to boost revenue for districts.TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill into law today that would allow advertisements on school buses in order to boost revenue for school districts at a time of cost-cutting.
Half of all revenue generated will be used by to offset transportation costs, while the other 50 percent will go to services chosen by the Board of Education.
Districts will have the ability to sell advertising space on the exterior sides of school buses owned or leased by the district. All advertisements will be approved by the local Board of Education, and tobacco, alcohol and political advocacy ads are prohibited.
"With schools everywhere at a loss for state aid, and cuts being felt as classes get underway again, this is an easy way for schools to generate additional revenue to help keep programs running and activity fees to a minimum," said Assemblywomen Connie Wagner (D-Bergen), one of the co-sponsors of the bill.
The Commissioner of Education will report to the governor a year after the bill is implemented.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Assembly committee approves displaying ads on school buses
• Editorial: School bus ads? No big deal
• N.J. Legislature considers allowing advertising on school buses