This bill amends the current law regarding the distribution of special education aid to school districts by changing the cost threshold at which districts are responsible for special education expenses. Specifically, it reduces the threshold from 3.5 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil to 3.0 times. This change is expected to allow more students to qualify for special education aid, thereby increasing the financial support that districts receive to offset the costs associated with special education. The bill also includes provisions for emergency assistance funding, allowing the state to designate up to $250,000 for districts that qualify for such assistance, with an additional $250,000 available for communities with 1,000 or fewer residents.

In terms of financial implications, the bill indicates that the Department of Education will be liable for 80% of costs above the new threshold, up to 10 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil, and will cover all costs exceeding that amount. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it depends on the number of students qualifying for aid each year, which cannot be predicted. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to provide more equitable financial support for school districts managing special education costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:18