This bill mandates the Department of Education to report on the out-of-pocket costs that local school districts incur when complying with rules that exceed state or federal special education standards. Specifically, it requires the department to identify the rule number, the nature of the rule, any state or federal minimum requirements exceeded, and the unfunded financial impact on local school districts. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a rule exceeding these requirements may have an indeterminable fiscal impact on school districts, this must also be reported.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions related to the newly established Pasquaney School District, formed from the Bridgewater-Hebron-Groton Special Purpose School District. It allows member towns to apply for an adjustment to their tax assessments for the 2025 tax year, enabling them to collect a sufficient amount to meet their financial responsibilities to the new district. This adjustment is exempt from the usual limitations set forth in existing law, ensuring that the new district can operate effectively from its inception. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:16-c
As Amended by the Senate: 186-C:16-c
Version adopted by both bodies: 186-C:16-c
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 186-C:16-c