Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Ways & Means Committee

HB 2129

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.

Brief Description: Delaying apportionments to school districts for the 2012-13 school year.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh and Hunter; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Reduces the June 2013 apportionment payment to school districts by $340 million and adds an offsetting apportionment payment of an equal amount on July 1, 2013.

Hearing Date: 2/24/12

Staff: Jessica Harrell (786-7349).

Background:

General apportionment is the primary means by which basic education funding is allocated to schools districts. The basic education rate is the per pupil allocation provided to districts for a general education student, and is the foundation of the general apportionment budget. In fiscal year (FY) 2013, general apportionment exceeds $5.2 billion. In addition to general apportionment, the state's total monthly apportionment payment to districts includes pupil transportation ($0.6 billion in FY 2013), special education ($0.7 billion in FY 2013), transitional bilingual ($0.07 billion in FY 2013), and learning assistance program ($0.1 billion in FY 2013).

General apportionment funding is allocated monthly to each district through each county treasurer. The amount provided varies by month. In the months of September, October, December, January, February, and March districts receive 9 percent of their school year apportionment payment. In November and May they receive 5.5 percent. In June they receive 6 percent. In July and August they receive 10 percent.

The state's fiscal year (FY) begins July 1 and ends June 30. The school FY begins September 1 and ends August 31. Due to this variance, payments made by the state to the school districts during the months of July and August will occur in the same FY.

Summary of Bill:

Payment of a portion of the June apportionment payment is delayed by one day, from June 30th to July 1st. The reduction reduces the total general fund–state apportionment payment for the 2011-13 biennium by $340 million. Due to the variance in the school and state FYs, the apportionment payment for the schools does not cross school FYs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 23, 2012.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.