SR79 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Legislative Study Commission to Study K-12 School Education Funding, established

Summary

SR79 creates a Legislative Study Commission to study modernizing K-12 school funding in Alabama, exploring a shift from a resource-based system to a more flexible, student-based model.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a Legislative Study Commission on Modernizing K-12 School Education Funding made up of all members of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Standing Committee and all members of the House Ways and Means Education Standing Committee. The commission will study the potential transition to a student-based funding model, focusing on flexibility and how to meet students’ specific needs. Its work may include analyzing the costs and budget impact of the transition, possible changes to the tax and revenue framework, and the legal changes needed to adopt student-based funding; if a path is endorsed, it will draft proposed legislation. The commission must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by February 1, 2025, at which point it will be dissolved.

Who It Affects

• K-12 students and families, through potential funding changes based on student needs
• School districts, administrators, and teachers, due to changes in funding formulas and budgeting responsibilities
• Members of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Standing Committee and the House Ways and Means Education Standing Committee, who oversee and participate in the study
• Taxpayers and the state's fiscal health, since the study considers costs and potential tax/revenue changes to fund a new funding model

Key Provisions

• Creates the Legislative Study Commission on Modernizing K-12 School Education Funding composed of all members of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Standing Committee and all members of the House Ways and Means Education Standing Committee
• Defines the commission’s focus on transitioning from a resource-based funding model to a flexible, student-based model
• Authorizes the commission to study costs, budget impact, tax/revenue changes, and legal changes needed; and to develop proposed legislation if a pathway is endorsed
• Establishes co-chairs (the chairs of the two committees); meetings as needed; administrative support; notice requirements to the Secretary of State; compensation for members
• Requires a final report by February 1, 2025 and dissolution of the commission thereafter

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions