Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Ways & Means Committee

HB 1252

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 Summary of Bill

Changes the general apportionment payment schedule for school districts in the 2010-11 school year to delay $253 million from the June 2011 apportionment payment to July 2011.

Background:

General apportionment is the primary means by which basic education funding is allocated to school districts. The basic education rate (or "BEA 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 2011, general apportionment exceeds $4.86 billion and represents about 75 percent of the total funding to school districts from the state.

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.

Summary of Bill:

The apportionment payment schedule for the 2010-11 school year is changed. $253 million is subtracted from the June apportionment payment, which is to occur on the first business day of June.

The schedule is further amended to include two July payments: one standard payment of 10 percent, and a second payment to occur on the first business day of July in the amount of $253 million.

These two changes have the effect of delaying $253 million in school apportionment payments from fiscal year 2011 into fiscal year 2012.