Health Centers Can Lease Unused NJ School Buildings, Bill Proposes

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Senate last week passed legislation that would allow Garden State school districts to lease unused buildings or property to federally qualified health centers.

Senate Bill 3156 was introduced earlier in May and was approved by the Senate on Monday in a 22-15 vote. The bill now moves to the General Assembly where it will be considered by the Assembly Education Committee.

The legislation was introduced by Democratic Sens. Vin Gopal and Angela McKnight.

Under current law, districts are allowed to lease buildings and property that are no longer necessary for school purposes to entities including government bodies, volunteer fire companies and rescue squads, veterans and senior citizens organizations, and certain nonprofit organizations.

Under the new proposal, health centers would be allowed to lease school buildings and property for a "nominal fee" and without following the competitive bidding process.

Sen. Gopal's office did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.