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, effective July 1, 2027. Additionally, it extends the biennium for this cost 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 necessary resource elements include costs for teachers, administrative staff, technology, and other educational resources. The general court is mandated to update the cost of an adequate education at least every two years, using actual cost data from approved schools.

The fiscal impact of this bill is projected to be substantial, with an estimated increase in expenditures of approximately $500 million per year starting in FY 2028. This increase is expected to affect local revenue and expenditures, with an indeterminable increase of around $433 million per year for local districts. The bill aims to ensure that the funding for education reflects the actual costs required to provide essential educational services, thereby enhancing the quality of education across the state.

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