Revision: Jan. 14, 2021, 12:27 p.m.
HB 613-FN-LOCAL - AS INTRODUCED
2021 SESSION
21-0127
06/08
HOUSE BILL 613-FN-LOCAL
AN ACT relative to state aid to school districts with special education pupils.
SPONSORS: Rep. Ladd, Graf. 4; Rep. Steven Smith, Sull. 11; Rep. Aron, Sull. 7; Rep. Shaw, Hills. 16; Rep. Allard, Merr. 21; Rep. Spilsbury, Sull. 8; Sen. Ward, Dist 8; Sen. Gray, Dist 6
COMMITTEE: Education
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ANALYSIS
This bill increases the amount of state aid available to school districts for the costs of special education students.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
21-0127
06/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty One
AN ACT relative to state aid to school districts with special education pupils.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Special Education; State Aid. Amend RSA 186-C:18, III to read as follows:
III.(a) The state board of education through the commissioner, department of education, shall distribute aid available under this paragraph as entitlement to such school districts as have a special education pupil for whose costs they are responsible, for whom the costs of special education in the fiscal year exceed [31/2] 2 1/2 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil for the school year preceding the year of distribution. If in any year, the amount appropriated for distribution as special education aid in accordance with this section is insufficient therefor, the appropriation shall be prorated proportionally based on entitlement among the districts entitled to a grant. If there are unexpended funds appropriated under this paragraph at the end of any fiscal year, such funds shall be distributed for court-ordered placements under RSA 186-C:19-b. The state may designate up to $250,000 of the funds which are appropriated as required by this paragraph, for each fiscal year, to assist those school districts which, under guidelines established by rules of the state board of education, may qualify for emergency assistance for special education costs. Upon application to the commissioner of education, and approval by the commissioner, such funds may be accepted and expended by school districts in accordance with this chapter; provided, however, that if a school district has received emergency assistance funds for certain children with disabilities, it shall not receive special education aid for those same children with disabilities. If any of the funds designated for emergency assistance under this paragraph are not used for such emergency assistance purposes, the funds shall be used to assist school districts in meeting special education cost increases in their special education programs as provided by this paragraph.
(b) The school district shall be liable for [31/2] 21/2 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil for the school year preceding the year of distribution, plus 20 percent of the additional cost, up to 10 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil for the school year preceding the year of distribution.
(c) The department of education shall be liable for 80 percent of the cost above the [31/2] 21/2 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil for the school year preceding the year of distribution, up to 10 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil for the school year preceding the year of distribution. The department of education shall be liable for all costs in excess of 10 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil for the school year preceding the year of distribution.
2 Special Education; State Aid. Amend RSA 186-C:18, VIII to read as follows:
VIII. A school district shall raise, appropriate and expend funds, reflecting the total cost in meeting special education student costs as provided under this section, including the school district and department of education liability. A school district may issue reimbursement anticipation notes as provided for in RSA 198:20-d to be redeemed upon receipt of reimbursement from the state. The department of education shall be liable for the cost of the school districts borrowing of any funds for special education student costs over [31/2] 21/2 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil for the school year preceding the year of distribution.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
21-0127
1/13/21
HB 613-FN-LOCAL- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT relative to state aid to school districts with special education pupils.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is unable to complete a fiscal note for this bill, as introduced, as it is awaiting information from the Department of Education. When completed, the fiscal note will be forwarded to the House Clerk's Office.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Education