This bill proposes an increase in the appropriations for school building aid grants for construction and renovation projects within school districts. Specifically, it amends RSA 198:15-a, IV to establish a minimum funding level of $60 million per fiscal year, starting July 1, 2025, which is an increase from the previous cap of $50 million. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least $5 million of this total be allocated to projects that began construction between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2019, which would have qualified for building aid had funding been available. The bill also stipulates that these grants will be funded from the state operating budget without the issuance of state bonds, and that the funds will be nonlapsing and continually appropriated.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 198:15-w to clarify that grants for alternative school building aid applications will be calculated at 50% of the current applicable building aid grant amount. The fiscal impact of this legislation is projected to increase state education trust fund expenditures significantly over the next few years, with estimates of $45.2 million in FY 2026, $48 million in FY 2027, and $50.4 million in FY 2028. However, it is important to note that the bill does not provide any new appropriations or authorize new positions within the Department of Education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 198:15-a, 198:15-w