The Renewing Alabama's Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Act aims to enhance funding for public K-12 education in Alabama by establishing the RAISE Fund, which will provide additional financial resources to local education agencies (LEAs). The bill mandates that LEAs report student data, set funding priorities, establish student achievement goals, and submit accountability reports on the use of RAISE Fund allocations. It also creates a review committee and an accountability board to oversee the effectiveness of the RAISE Act, ensuring that funds are utilized appropriately. The RAISE Fund will be financed through appropriations from the Education Trust Fund, with eligibility criteria for LEAs to receive allocations, and a unified application process to streamline funding.

Bill SB305 introduces significant changes to the RAISE Act, particularly regarding funding and accountability mechanisms for LEAs starting in the 2028-2029 school year. It establishes the RAISE Act Accountability and Implementation Board, which will monitor LEAs' progress and review accountability plans. The bill also mandates the development of a unified application for state and federal funding, aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving student achievement. Key deadlines include the submission of the first accountability reports by November 1, 2026, and the operationalization of the unified application by the 2028-2029 budget cycle. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2025, with provisions for audits and recommendations for LEAs that do not make adequate progress.

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