The bill proposes amendments to "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," specifically targeting state funding for education-related 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 covers funding for career and technical education, pre-kindergarten programs, stabilization funds for specific schools, and transportation costs for students in non-public and regional schools. It introduces a regionalization bonus for public school districts that have regionalized, with a phased schedule, and increases state support for English learners by applying a 10% factor to the core-instruction per-pupil amount. The bill includes proration provisions for various categories if approved costs exceed the appropriated amounts.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new categorical funding category for civics education, establishing a fund to support civics instruction based on district needs. This funding will be allocated for professional development, curriculum development, technical assistance, and evaluation of civic learning, with oversight by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The bill also details the allocation and retention of funds and includes a severability clause, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
6464: 16-7.2-6