This bill, titled "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," aims to expand services for special needs students by reducing the educational costs that exceed the state-approved threshold. Currently, costs that exceed five times the core foundation amount are not covered by the state. This bill would reduce that threshold to two times the core foundation amount, allowing more special needs students to receive the necessary services. The bill also includes provisions for state support for school resource officers (SROs) in public middle and high schools. School districts or municipalities that choose to employ SROs will receive direct state support for the costs associated with employing these officers. The state will reimburse districts or municipalities for one-half of the cost of salaries and benefits for qualifying positions. The bill also outlines the requirements for the assignment of SROs to schools based on student enrollment. This provision will be in effect for a period of three years, starting in FY 2019.

Statutes affected:
5625: 16-7.2-6