Bill No.: HB0069                  Drafter:  DRN

LSO No.:  09LSO-0337              Effective Date:  3/13/2009

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0126

Chapter No.:       206

Prime Sponsor:     Representative Berger

Catch Title:       Driver's education program funding.

Subject:  Off-model financial assistance from the foundation program account for driver's education.

Summary/Major Elements:

· Currently, driver's education programs are funded and provided to school-age children in a variety of arrangements including BOCES, community colleges and private providers in addition to those programs provided by school districts, with student participation fees likewise varying considerably.

· This bill makes available $225,000 from the school foundation program account in school year 2009‑2010 for supplemental, off-model financial assistance to school districts for department of education certified driver's education programs.

· Supplemental assistance is limited to reimbursing only those students eligible for participation in the federal free and reduced price lunch program.

· Applicant districts may receive up to $150 per eligible enrolled and completing student, less any assessed participation fee imposed by the district.

Comments:

• The department of education is required to report on financial assistance expenditures together with program recommendations to the joint education committee regarding program continuation beyond school year 2009‑2010.