The bill establishes the K-12 Capital Grant Program within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Alabama, aimed at providing grants to local schools for capital projects, deferred maintenance, and technology needs. It defines eligible K-12 entities, which include public schools and specialized institutions, and outlines the process for grant applications and approvals. The K-12 Capital Grant Program Fund will be created in the State Treasury, with provisions for administrative costs and the carryover of unspent funds. The bill specifies that grants can be used for various purposes, including construction, renovation, debt service payments, deferred maintenance, school security improvements, and technology enhancements.

Additionally, the bill sets criteria for evaluating grant proposals, including the availability of state funds, intended purposes, local matching funds, and geographic benefits. It mandates that all grant applications be endorsed by a member of the state legislature and establishes a sliding scale for matching requirements based on the financial capacity of the K-12 entities. Recipients of the grants must report on their expenditures, and compliance will be monitored by the Department of the Examiners of Public Accounts. The act will take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29-9-4
Engrossed: 29-9-4