IL SB2096

Removes requirement for State Board of Education to pre-approve and publish annual list of textbooks; instead allows purchase of secular, non-religious textbooks without pre-approval process, with per-pupil grants calculated from total appropriations divided by student enrollment.

Modifies property tax relief pool grant provisions to prioritize districts with highest operating tax rates and require abatement resolutions for two consecutive fiscal years starting in fiscal year 2020, with grant amounts included in Base Funding Minimum calculations.

Changes special education reimbursement claim deadlines from July 15 to June 15 for final submissions, allows amendments until August 1, and moves payment dates to August 31; adds provisions for insufficient appropriations to be reimbursed in following fiscal year before current claims are paid.

Updates tuition payment claims for children from orphanages and children's homes to use June 15 deadline instead of July 15, allows amendments until August 1, and requires payments by August 31.

Revises evidence-based funding formula administration by transferring responsibility for annual recalibration of per-pupil adequacy elements from Professional Review Panel to State Superintendent, and modifies panel's role to study topics as directed by General Assembly or State Board rather than automatically recalibrating specified cost elements.