HB 6618 Summary

• Modifies alliance district funding applications to allow Commissioner of Education to approve use of up to 10% of education funding increases for purposes outside the submitted plan, provided districts increase local education appropriations by an equivalent amount.

• Allows unspent federal COVID-19 relief funds (CARES Act and supplemental appropriations) received through June 30, 2023 to carry forward and be used in subsequent fiscal years rather than lapsing.

• Increases regional board of education reserve fund capacity for capital and nonrecurring expenditures from 1% to 2% of annual district budget.

• Expands eligible funding reductions for district education budgets through fiscal year 2023, including relief for districts with catastrophic losses, COVID-19 supplemental costs, and school security infrastructure grants.

• Establishes CT Grown for CT Kids Grant Program administered by Department of Agriculture to fund farm-to-school programs prioritizing alliance districts and school readiness programs, with annual reporting requirements through 2023.