An Act fairly reimbursing local school transportation of foster children

This bill amends Massachusetts law to ensure school districts receive full payment for transporting foster children between their foster homes and schools of origin when such placement is deemed in the child's best interests. It requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Children and Families to jointly seek federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education to cover these transportation costs. If the federal government does not provide complete reimbursement, the state will cover the remaining balance to ensure school districts are fully compensated. The legislation also establishes a certification process where districts must submit cost reports to receive these funds.