Bill > SB3701

This bill mandates that all mandated categorical programs, which are specific educational programs with defined funding requirements, and the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act must be fully funded at 100% of their calculated levels by the State Board of Education, without any reductions or proration. Starting with Fiscal Year 2027, the General Assembly is required to allocate enough funds each year to fully reimburse school districts for all costs associated with these mandated programs. The State Board of Education will provide the General Assembly with the necessary appropriation amounts by May 1st each year for the upcoming fiscal year. Furthermore, the bill aims to fully fund the evidence-based funding formula, which is a system designed to provide schools with resources based on research-backed needs, by Fiscal Year 2027. This will be achieved by increasing the annual state funds allocated to this formula. The State Board will report the amount needed to bring all organizational units (schools or districts) to 100% of their "adequacy targets" – the calculated amount needed to meet their educational needs – and the General Assembly must appropriate sufficient funds to meet this goal by Fiscal Year 2027, ensuring no organizational unit receives less funding than determined by the formula in any given year.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3701&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104