1. Notwithstanding any section of law to the contrary, the boards of education proposing to form a newly created regional school district may by resolution frame and adopt a proposal to calculate and apportion the membership of the board of education of the newly created regional district other than in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S. 18A:13-8 If the commissioner approves the alternative apportionment, then that alternative apportionment shall be included in the consultation, study, and investigation conducted pursuant to N.J.S. 18A:13-34 to determine whether it is advisable for school districts to form a newly created regional school district. If the commissioner or his representative determines that it is advisable for such districts to form a newly created regional school district, and the question of whether or not the proposal to create a regional district is submitted to the voters pursuant to N.J.S.18A:13-34, and the proposal is adopted by the voters pursuant to N.J.S.18A:13-35, then the members of the board of education of the regional district shall be elected in accordance with such alternate apportionment. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, the last federal census officially promulgated in this State as reported by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2021, c.198 (C. 52:4-1.6) shall be the basis for apportionment under this section.

L.2017, c.45, s.1; amended 2021, c.198, s.3.