SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6601
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Early Learning & K-12 Education, January 25, 2010
Title: An act relating to adjusting local school finance related to nonresident students enrolled in online learning.
Brief Description: Adjusting local school finance related to nonresident students enrolled in online learning.
Sponsors: Senators Oemig and McDermott.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/21/10, 1/25/10 [DP-WM, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair, K-12; King, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Gordon, Hobbs, Holmquist and Tom.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Roach.
Staff: Alicia Kinne (786-7784)
Background: For excess levies, a district's levy base must include the districts basic education allocation, state and federal allocations for transportation, special education, education of highly capable students, compensatory education, food services, statewide block grant programs, and any other federal allocations for elementary and secondary education. A district's levy base must not include local school district property tax levies, other local revenues, or other state or federal allocations not specified as included.
An online school is defined as delivered primarily electronically using the Internet, taught by a teacher primarily from a remote location, or part-time or full-time sequential program with online lessons and tools for student and data management.
Summary of Bill: Effective in calendar year 2011, a districts levy base must not include state or federal allocations for nonresident students enrolled in the district in an online school.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2010.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains several effective dates. Please refer to the bill.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill closes a loophole to financing out of district students who do not collect levy equalization funds in the local school district, but are supported by such funds through enrollment in the district's online school program.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Oemig, prime sponsor.