The Renewing Alabama's Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Act, introduced in the bill, aims to enhance funding for public K-12 education in Alabama by establishing a new Article 16 in Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Code of Alabama 1975. This act creates the RAISE Fund, which will provide additional financial resources to local education agencies (LEAs) to address educational needs and improve academic outcomes. The bill requires LEAs to report student data, set funding priorities, establish achievement goals, and submit accountability reports. It also establishes a review committee and an accountability board to oversee the effectiveness of the RAISE Act and ensure proper utilization of funds. The RAISE Fund will be financed through appropriations from the Education Trust Fund and other legislative allocations, with implementation starting in the 2025-2026 school year, contingent upon funding.

The bill SB305 introduces significant changes to the RAISE Act, particularly regarding funding allocation for various student groups within LEAs. Starting in the 2028-2029 school year, the professional learning series on the RAISE Act will be integrated into the unified application process. The bill outlines a framework for determining the annual cost of the RAISE program, including weighted allocations for qualifying student groups. Each LEA is required to produce an accountability plan that aligns with Alabama's Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, detailing expenditures and progress for student groups receiving weighted allocations. The RAISE Act Accountability and Implementation Board will be established to monitor LEAs and recommend corrective actions for those not meeting achievement goals. Additionally, a unified application for state and federal funding will be developed to streamline processes, with an operational target of the 2028-2029 budget cycle. The bill is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-13-360
Engrossed: 16-13-360
Enrolled: 16-13-360