NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to SB214

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

     Synopsis of HAFC Amendment

The House Appropriations and Finance Committee Amendment strikes the $82.0 appropriation from the bill. The amendment also inserts a new section which outlines specific duties required by private schools, including a requirement for private schools to develop technology plans and work cooperatively with SDE.

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 166 amends the Technology for Education Act to allow accredited private schools to receive a distribution from the Educational Technology Fund, expands the definition of educational technology and appropriates $82.0 to SDE for the purpose of administering the provisions of the Technology for Education Act.

Significant Issues

House Bill 166 may be in conflict with the anti-donation clause of Article IX, Section 14 which provides that "neither the state nor any county, school district or municipality, except as otherwise provided in this constitution, shall directly or indirectly lend or pledge its credit or make any donation to or in aid of any person, association or public or private institution....".

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The FY00 appropriation to the Educational Technology Fund is $5,000.0. Pursuant to the act, funding is distributed to school districts on a per pupil basis.

According to SDE, in 1998-99 there are 26,369 students enrolled in private schools. Based on the current year distribution rate of $15.80 per student and the number of students enrolled in private institutions, an additional $416.6 would be required to maintain funding at the current level.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

SDE indicates that the administrative impact on the agency would be significant. The department would be required to administer the funds, review technology plans and required annual reports for 131 accredited private schools.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

HB 166 relates to SB214. Senate Bill 214 revises distribution of funds appropriated to the Educational Technology Fund. The bill also establishes a base equity factor or minimum funding level of .075 of the total appropriation to the Educational Technology Fund.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

According to SDE, private schools are accredited through a State Board of Education approved educational accrediting agency. Department staff does not monitor site, policies, or curriculum of private schools accredited through an approved educational accrediting agency.

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