HB 1254 - Free Curricular Materials in K-12 Schools

• Requires public school governing bodies to purchase and provide curricular materials to all enrolled students at no cost, effective July 1, 2014.

• Eliminates the ability of schools to charge students rental fees for textbooks and curricular materials under the standard education program.

• Allows students to still purchase curricular materials at their option, and permits schools to provide free materials under hardship provisions.

• Makes corresponding changes to funding mechanisms, allowing school corporations to cover curricular material costs through general funds rather than student fees.

• Applies to students in public schools meeting state certification standards and located within the school corporation's attendance area.