This bill proposes significant changes to the funding structure for adequate education in the state. It amends RSA 198:40-a to increase the base cost of providing an adequate education from $4,100 to $7,356.01 per pupil for the biennium beginning July 1, 2027. Additionally, it extends the timeline for the biennium from 2023 to 2027. The bill also modifies RSA 193-E:2-b to expand the definition of what constitutes an adequate education, specifying that the necessary resource elements include costs for various educational staff, instructional materials, technology, and transportation, among others.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the general court update the cost of an adequate education at least every two years, using evidence from actual costs incurred by all approved schools. This change aims to ensure that the funding reflects the true costs of providing quality education. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, but a fiscal impact note is currently pending from the Department of Education, which has not yet provided the necessary information for a complete analysis.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 198:40-a, 193-E:2-b
SB582 text: 198:40-a, 193-E:2-b