HB0003 Summary

• School districts with populations under 500,000 may levy taxes up to 0.05% annually (increasable to 0.10% by voter approval) for fire prevention, safety, energy conservation, disabled accessibility, and school security purposes when lawful orders require alterations or equipment installation.

• Tax levies and bond issuances require certified cost estimates from licensed architects or engineers and approval from regional and state superintendents, except emergency repairs under the amount specified in Section 10-20.21 may proceed with subsequent approval.

• School districts may replace or add to buildings when replacement costs are lower than recommended repairs, subject to regional superintendent order and state superintendent approval, with new structures matching equivalent square footage and comparable purpose.

• Excess funds from fire prevention and safety tax levies may be transferred to the Operations and Maintenance Fund to offset taxes, or used for other authorized safety purposes; this transfer authority is extended through June 30, 2016 (previously June 30, 2013).

• School boards may transfer funds between Educational, Operations and Maintenance, and Transportation Funds following public hearings for one-time, non-recurring expenses through June 30, 2016, with permanent transfers directed to the fund most in need as determined by board resolution.