This bill allows school districts that have transitioned their annual elections to November to submit separate proposals for additional funding for both the current and subsequent budget years. It enables these districts to present one or more proposals to voters for raising an additional general fund tax levy for specified purposes. However, if a proposal for the subsequent budget year is approved, the district is prohibited from adding that amount to its adjusted tax levy for that year. The bill also includes provisions for temporary budgets pending voter approval, stipulating that if proposals are authorized, the final budget must be submitted to the commissioner within 15 days, while a temporary budget will serve as the final budget if proposals are not approved.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that the executive county superintendent may prevent the submission of proposals if the district has not implemented all potential efficiencies in its administrative operations. It maintains requirements for proposals to increase the tax levy, ensuring they do not include programs necessary for students to meet core curriculum standards. All proposals must clearly state the purpose of the funds and whether the approval will affect only the current year or result in a permanent increase in the levy. The act is set to take effect immediately and will first apply to the 2024-2025 school year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7F-5, 18A:7F-5.4, 18A:7F-5.5, 18A:7F-5.6, 18A:7F-37, 18A:7F-39