CA AB18

Establishes a 21-member California Task Force on School Finance effective January 1, 2013, to review and recommend alternative funding formulas for California public schools based on criteria including equitable distribution of resources, policy objectives attainment, adaptability, and public understanding.

Task force composition: 10 members appointed by Governor, 5 by Speaker of Assembly, and 5 by Senate Committee on Rules, with required representation from urban/suburban/rural districts, teachers, administrators, classified employees, school board members, parents, underserved populations, and school finance experts; Superintendent of Public Instruction serves as chair.

Task force shall develop and simulate alternative funding formulas including modifications to current general purpose plus categorical funding, block grant options, and weighted pupil formulas, then identify funding targets and recommend transition methodologies.

Requires task force report to Legislature by April 1, 2013; meetings subject to Bagley-Keene open meeting requirements; members serve without compensation but receive expense reimbursement.

Chapter becomes operative only upon Superintendent certification by January 31, 2013 of sufficient nonstate funding availability; becomes inoperative July 1, 2013, and repealed January 1, 2014, unless extended by later statute.