HF4782 Education Finance Bill Summary

• General Education Funding: Increases formula allowance from $6,863 to $7,425 for FY2023, with future years indexed to inflation; modifies English learner revenue calculations.

• Literacy and Reading Instruction: Establishes science-of-reading requirements for K-3 instruction; requires schools to screen students for dyslexia; mandates teacher training in reading science by July 2027; provides $5M for literacy reform initiatives.

• Student Support and Mental Health: Creates student support personnel aid ($22 per pupil minimum $35,000); establishes statewide school-based mental health screening system ($11 per pupil); creates two comprehensive school mental health services leads; appropriates $6M for school-linked behavioral health.

• Early Childhood and Nutrition: Expands voluntary public prekindergarten with 850-hour requirement and salary equivalency standards; requires free meals for all students in school lunch and breakfast programs; appropriates $96.9M for mixed-delivery pre-K.

• Teacher Workforce Development: Expands Grow Your Own programs for teachers and early childhood educators in shortage areas; provides teacher retention bonuses ($1,000-$4,500); supports educator career pathway programs; appropriates $20.5M for Grow Your Own programs.