This bill aims to restructure the funding formula for special education in order to better reflect the actual costs of services provided to students with disabilities. Key changes include the insertion of new language in RSA 198:40-a, II(d), which mandates that the state reimburse school districts 80 percent of the costs associated with special education services for children with disabilities, as defined by existing law. This reimbursement will occur on a quarterly basis and must be processed within 90 days of receiving billing information from the districts. Additionally, the bill allows districts to borrow funds in anticipation of this reimbursement, with provisions to recognize the borrowed funds as revenue for property tax rate setting.

The bill also includes several deletions, notably the repeal of RSA 186-C:18, which previously governed state financial aid for extraordinary special education costs. Other amendments throughout the bill replace references to the old law with the new reimbursement structure under RSA 198:40-a, II(d). This comprehensive update aims to streamline the funding process and ensure that school districts receive timely financial support for the special education services they provide. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 198:40-a, 198:20-d, 21-J:35, 21-N:9, 186-D:1, 186-D:4, 193:1, 198:39, 186-C:18
HB1835 text: 198:40-a, 198:20-d, 21-J:35, 21-N:9, 186-D:1, 186-D:4, 193:1, 198:39