This bill amends the current law regarding state aid for special education by eliminating the requirement for catastrophic special education funds to be prorated among school districts. Instead, it mandates that school districts receive at least 80 percent of their entitlement for catastrophic aid costs in any fiscal year, even if the total appropriated amount is insufficient. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which school districts are liable for special education costs, specifying that they are responsible for costs exceeding 3.5 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil, plus 20 percent of any additional costs.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for funding special education aid, stating that the necessary amount will be appropriated from the education trust fund. It allows the governor to draw funds from this trust to meet the state's obligations, regardless of the fund's balance, and requires the state comptroller to transfer funds from the general fund if the trust fund balance falls below zero. This ensures that special education funding is maintained without interruption, while also providing a framework for emergency assistance to districts facing significant financial challenges due to special education costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:18
As Amended by the House: 186-C:18
Version adopted by both bodies: 186-C:18
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 186-C:18