The Senate Education Committee has favorably reported Senate Bill No. 3263 with significant amendments aimed at enhancing the adoption of electric school buses across New Jersey. The updated bill allows boards of education to secure extended lease terms for electric school buses, surpassing the previous 10-year limit to match the service life of these buses.
Under the revised legislation, the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) is authorized to act as a government aggregator, facilitating the procurement of electric buses and related services for school districts, counties, municipalities, and other local entities. This amendment extends the capabilities of the NJSBA beyond its current scope, allowing it to secure essential energy services and equipment for a broader range of public units.
Additionally, the amendments remove the option for boards of education to use competitive contracting under certain conditions, streamlining the procurement process. The legislation also updates the “Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act” to accommodate these new provisions.
This legislative move marks a significant step towards modernizing school transportation and embracing environmentally friendly alternatives by aligning leasing terms with the operational longevity of electric buses.
