This bill modifies the priority system for school building aid grant applications by removing the requirement that applications from the previous fiscal year that received insufficient funding, as well as those with critical needs, be prioritized over newer applications. Specifically, it deletes the language that mandated these applications to be ranked ahead of new submissions, allowing for a more equitable consideration of all applications based on their completeness and other criteria. The bill introduces new provisions stating that applications will be funded based on available appropriations for the fiscal year, and school districts or chartered public schools can resubmit projects for future consideration if they did not receive sufficient funding.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the Department of Education will create rules to implement these changes effectively. It maintains the criteria for evaluating applications, which include factors such as safety, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, overcrowding, and fiscal capacity of the school district. The bill aims to streamline the application process and ensure that all proposals are considered fairly, regardless of their submission history in prior fiscal years. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 198:15-c
HB1104 text: 198:15-c