Bill > S0334

This bill provides school districts with the option to not spend money on state-mandated educational requirements that are not fully funded through the state education aid formula, starting July 1, 2026. Specifically, the bill defines a "mandate" as any rule, regulation, or policy implemented by the department of elementary and secondary education that requires a school district to take or not take an action, which would require the district to expend funds without corresponding state financial support. If a school district chooses to opt out of such an unfunded mandate, it must submit a written notice to the department by August 31 of the relevant fiscal year, detailing the specific mandate and the total dollar amount saved by not implementing it. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that school districts exercising this option will not be penalized or have their state aid reduced as a result. The legislation aims to provide financial flexibility for school districts by allowing them to decline to implement state educational mandates that do not come with adequate funding, thereby protecting local educational budgets from unfunded state requirements.

Budget and Finance

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