This bill proposes an increase in the annual cost of providing an adequate education for pupils in the Average Daily Membership in Residence (ADMR) who are receiving special education services. Specifically, it amends RSA 198:40-a to change the effective biennium from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2025, and significantly raises the additional funding for special education from $2,100 to $29,556 per pupil. The bill outlines that the total cost of an adequate education will be calculated based on the adjusted rates for various categories of pupils, including those eligible for free or reduced-price meals and English language learners, in addition to the new special education funding.

The fiscal impact of this bill is substantial, with an estimated increase in district adequacy grants of approximately $841.5 million in FY 2026 alone. This increase will also affect charter school grants and education freedom accounts, with projected additional funding of around $26.8 million for charter schools and $10.9 million for education freedom accounts in the same fiscal year. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and while the exact financial implications for FY 2027 and beyond are indeterminable, they are expected to remain in a similar range as FY 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 198:40-a