This bill aims to enhance funding for Nebraska school districts, particularly focusing on extraordinary expenditures related to limited English proficiency students. It introduces a new provision that allows districts with significant expected costs for these students to apply for payments from the Education Future Fund, specifically if their expenditures exceed $50,000 annually or one-half percent of their annual budget. The bill also outlines the calculation for determining the maximum payment each district can receive based on their previous year's expenditures and establishes a timeline for these payments. Additionally, it amends several sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to update provisions related to the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act, including changes to the elementary site allowance and certification dates for state aid.

Moreover, the bill amends Section 79-1142 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to include new provisions for the reimbursement of additional costs related to students receiving services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, effective for the school fiscal year 2025-26 and thereafter. This reimbursement will match the percentage for special education programs and will supplement existing funding. The bill also requires the Department of Education to submit an annual report detailing total allowable excess costs and reimbursements. It includes a provision for transferring funds to the Education Future Fund based on payments received under the Extraordinary Increase in Special Education Expenditures Act, with specific sections becoming operative on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-1007.15, 79-1021, 79-1022, 79-1022.02, 79-1023, 79-1027, 79-1031.01, 79-1142