BILL NUMBER: S840

SPONSOR: TEDISCO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing additional
reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred as a result of
an influx of migrant students entering the schools of the districts

 
PURPOSE:

Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for
expenses incurred to a student population spike, while providing relief
to localities.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

§ 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 3605 to read
as follows:

§ 3605. Additional state reimbursement to school districts. 1.  Notwith-
standing any inconsistent provision of law, the state shall provide
              

additional reimbursement to each school district for actual expenses, if
any, incurred by the school district as a result of an influx of migrant
students entering the schools of the district.

2. Within thirty days after the commencement of the school year, the
governor shall prepare and submit to the legislature chapter amendments
to the aid to localities budget providing for additional reimbursement
to repay school districts for any and all actual expenses referenced in
subdivision one of this section.

3. Such reimbursement moneys shall be paid upon the audit of vouchers
certified by the chief fiscal officer for the school district demanding
reimbursement for actual expenses incurred by such school district as a
result of an influx of migrant students entering the schools of the
district.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Following many counties within New York State declaring a state of emer-
gency related to the recent migrant housing crisis, many of our school
districts have similarly taken on unexpected challenges to endure not
only a spike in student population, but also the support services neces-
sary to educate them.  Classroom space, changed bus routes, hiring more
bilingual teachers and social workers to meet the needs of thousands of
students currently enrolled in public schools throughout New York State
have stretched school budgets thin.  This measure ensures that already-
burdened localities are not saddled with the additional expenses associ-
ated with recent spikes in student population.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

11/15/23: S.7751 REFERRED TO RULES

01/03/24: S.7751 REFERRED TO EDUCATION

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.