This bill changes the limit for school district liability for special education costs from 3-1/2 times the state average to 1-1/2 times. It amends RSA 186-C:18, III to reflect this change. The state board of education will distribute aid to school districts that have a special education pupil for whom the costs of special education exceed 1-1/2 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil. If the amount appropriated for special education aid is insufficient, it will be prorated among the districts. The bill also amends RSA 186-C:18, VIII to state that the department of education will be liable for the cost of school districts' borrowing of funds for special education student costs over 1-1/2 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable as the number of students that could qualify for special education aid each year cannot be determined at this time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:18