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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Nava

DATE TYPED 01/31/05 HB

SHORT TITLE Statewide Community Service Learning Programs SB 98

ANALYST Chabot

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$250.0

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 98 appropriates $250 thousand from the general fund to the Public Education De-

partment (PED) for the purpose of supporting a regional center network throughout the state to

support teachers in incorporating community service learning into standards-based education by

providing coordinated training, technical assistance and project support.

Significant Issues

PED assesses the establishment of a regional network will provide youths with opportunities to

serve in their communities. Studies show students participating in service-learning programs

show improvements in academic achievement and career preparation, better self-esteem, im-

proved behavior and attendance, character development and active civic engagement. This pro-

gram will allow classroom learning to be combined with an identified community need and prac-

tical experience. The statewide network will allow collection, analysis and reporting of informa-

tion on community service-learning projects.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

If the program results in better retention of students, it will lead to improved student outcomes.

Senate Bill 98 -- Page 2

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $250 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general

fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2006 shall

revert to the general fund.

The LFC FY06 appropriation recommendation is balanced between revenues and expenditures

and any increase in recurring funding must be offset by reductions in other areas of the recom-

mendation. The Legislature must consider all priorities and funding requirements to find reve-

nue to support this legislation.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

PED will have to develop a joint powers agreement to support the regional center network.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1.

What is the definition of “community service learning.”

2.

Should community service learning be coordinated by the district school board and the

locality rather than by a regional center.

GAC/lg