This bill amends RCW 28A.500.015 to update the timeline and criteria for calculating state local effort assistance funding for school districts. The start date for providing this funding is changed from calendar year 2020 to 2026. The bill outlines how funding is calculated based on the actual enrichment levy rate of eligible school districts, with specific provisions for those with rates below or above $1.50 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Additionally, it establishes a maximum local effort assistance amount and defines key terms such as "eligible school district," "inflation," and "student enrollment."

Notably, the bill introduces a new definition for "student enrollment," which now excludes a portion of students enrolled in alternative learning experience courses if such enrollment exceeds 33% of the district's average annual full-time equivalent student enrollment. This adjustment aims to ensure that funding calculations more accurately reflect the student population that requires support. The bill also maintains provisions for state-tribal education compact schools and clarifies that the local effort assistance funding is not part of the state's basic education program as defined by the state Constitution.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.500.015