The bill proposes amendments to "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," specifically targeting the provision of direct state funding for various educational programs and expenses. It defines "extraordinary" special education costs as those exceeding five times the core foundation amount and requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to prorate funds if necessary. The bill also mandates data collection on special education costs that are two to four times the core foundation amount. It addresses funding for career and technical education, pre-kindergarten programs, stabilization funds for specific schools, and transportation costs for students in non-public and regional school districts. A regionalization bonus is established for regionalized public school districts, and additional support is provided for English learners, with a 10% factor applied to the per-pupil amount. The bill includes proration provisions for various categories if approved costs exceed available funding.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new categorical funding category for school security, allowing school districts to be reimbursed for up to half the cost of qualified school security infrastructure and physical improvements aimed at increasing safety. School districts must apply to the school building authority within the department of elementary and secondary education and meet certain criteria to qualify for this funding. The bill defines what constitutes qualified school security infrastructure and improvements. The act is set to take effect upon passage, enhancing the safety measures in schools and providing additional financial support for specific educational needs and programs.

Statutes affected:
5628: 16-7.2-6