The bill amends the Kansas school equity and enhancement act by establishing new verification requirements for at-risk students in school districts. It mandates that each district verify that students classified as at-risk meet the criteria for free meals under the national school lunch program, specifically through evidence of household gross earned income as indicated on the parent's federal income tax return (form 1040). Students who do not meet these criteria will not be classified as at-risk for funding purposes. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "at-risk student" to include those qualifying for free meals through direct certification or whose household income falls below a specified threshold. It also introduces various weightings for school district enrollment, such as at-risk student weighting and bilingual weighting, which will influence funding allocations.

Moreover, the bill clarifies the counting of students for funding purposes, including those enrolled in virtual schools and those receiving special education services. It defines terms related to the education system, such as "school year" and "state foundation aid," and specifies how students are counted based on their enrollment and attendance. The bill also repeals K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 72-5132, which likely contained previous regulations that are now being updated. The act will take effect upon its publication in the statute book, ensuring prompt implementation of these changes aimed at refining student enrollment and funding processes within the education system.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by House Committee: 72-5132, 72-3712