Bill > H0464

This bill appropriates additional funds to the State Department of Education for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, totaling $2,449,400 for fiscal year 2026 and $33,600 for fiscal year 2025, and authorizes an additional full-time equivalent position for fiscal year 2026. * **Student Services Program (Fiscal Year 2026):** $2,449,400 is appropriated for the Student Services Program. This funding comes from the General Fund ($307,900), Public Charter School Authorizers Fund ($300,000), School Bus Camera Fund ($6,800), American Rescue Plan Fund ($264,000), and Federal Grant Fund ($1,570,700). * **Student Services Program (Fiscal Year 2025):** $33,600 is appropriated from the School Bus Camera Fund for trustee and benefit payments for the Student Services Program. * **Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Position (Fiscal Year 2026):** An increase of one (1.00) full-time equivalent position is authorized for the State Department of Education. * **Office Remodel Reappropriation (Fiscal Year 2025):** Up to $800,000 from the General Fund is reappropriated for nonrecurring expenditures related to an office remodel for the Administration Program. This reappropriation is for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. * **Data Sharing Requirement:** The State Department of Education and the Office of the State Board of Education are required to provide a monthly data file to the Budget and Policy Analysis Division of the Legislative Services Office. * **Federal Funding Restrictions:** The bill outlines restrictions on transferring federal funds and requires agencies to take actions to prevent the state from having to replace lost federal funds. State funds intended to match federal funds will be reverted if the federal funds are reduced or eliminated, unless legislative approval is obtained. * **Reporting Requirements:** The State Department of Education is required to submit reports on underperforming charter schools and the building capacity project by January 5, 2026. * **Procurement Process:** The State Department of Education is now required, rather than encouraged, to engage in open, competitive acquisition processes for contracts valued over $25,000 and must report on these contracts by December 1, 2025.