SB20B-006 Summary

• Creates the Remote Instruction Family Stipend Program within the Department of Revenue to provide financial assistance to parents whose children participate in remote instruction due to COVID-19 during the 2020-21 school year.

• Establishes eligibility requirements: student must have participated in remote instruction during 2020-21 school year, and parent's income must not exceed $50,000 annually (or $68,000 jointly).

• Provides one-time stipends of $1,500 for the first student plus an additional $500 for up to two additional students, with a maximum of $2,500 per family unit, to be used only for education-related expenses including child care.

• Requires parents to submit sworn affidavits attesting to eligibility and describing planned education expenses; requires retention of receipts for one year and authorizes Department of Revenue to conduct sample audits and pursue legal action to recover illegally distributed funds.

• Program is repealed effective July 1, 2023; General Assembly must appropriate necessary General Fund money for the 2020-21 fiscal year.