This bill amends the current law regarding the distribution of special education aid to school districts by changing the cost threshold at which the state provides financial assistance. Specifically, it reduces the threshold from 3.5 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil to 3.0 times. This adjustment is expected to allow more students to qualify for special education aid, thereby increasing the financial support available to school districts to help offset the costs associated with special education services. The bill also includes provisions for emergency assistance funding for districts facing significant financial challenges due to special education costs.

In addition to the threshold change, the bill maintains the existing liability structure for school districts and the Department of Education regarding special education costs. School districts will still be responsible for 3.0 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil, plus 20% of any additional costs, while the Department of Education will cover 80% of costs above this threshold, up to 10 times the average expenditure. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and its fiscal impact is currently indeterminable, as it depends on the number of students qualifying for aid each year and the appropriations made in the state operating budget.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:18