AL HJR215

Alabama's Foundation Program for K-12 education, adopted in 1995, uses a resource-based funding system that provides funding based on anticipated costs of resources and inputs such as salaries and classroom support rather than student enrollment.

Alabama is one of only 6 states using a resource-based funding formula, while 41 states use student-based funding formulas that provide additional funding based on student characteristics including low-income status, disability, English language learner status, and gifted student designation.

The current Foundation Program is complex with limited tools for lawmakers to address changing student needs and no clear link between state funding priorities and local spending decisions or outcomes for different student groups.

The legislature shall conduct a study on modernizing the current K-12 school funding model into a student-based funding model, including analysis of additional transition costs and necessary legal changes to implement a new statutory framework.

Study findings and any proposed legislation must be delivered to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate by February 1, 2025.