The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 5148, aims to address racial imbalances in public schools by mandating the Department of Education to conduct a comprehensive study on the effectiveness of existing methods for correcting such imbalances. This study will evaluate various strategies, perform a cost-benefit analysis, assess the impact on minority students, and suggest alternative methods for improvement. The Department is required to submit a report on its findings to the relevant legislative committee by January 1, 2028.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes regarding the notification and planning process for addressing racial imbalances. Specifically, it changes the timeline for the State Board of Education to notify local boards of education about identified imbalances from July 1, 2030, to July 1, 2028. It also requires local boards to prepare and submit corrective plans by the same date, rather than the previously set date of July 1, 2030. The plans must include strategies for addressing imbalances, potential changes to school attendance districts, and projections of expected racial compositions in schools. The State Board of Education will review these plans and provide assistance as needed, with the stipulation that no plans submitted after July 1, 2024, will be acted upon until July 1, 2028.