ertification Fee Revenue: Expanded Uses
Committee: Appropriations
First Analysis (3-11-04)
BRIEF SUMMARY: This bill, which is part of the agreement to balance the FY 2003-04 budget, would amend the Revised School Code to expand the uses of the Teacher-Administrator Preparation and Certification Fund. Under current law, certification fee revenue may be spent only for the operation of two programs, the teacher preparation and certification program and the administrator preparation and certification program. SB 1016 would expand the uses of funds so they may additionally be used for teacher and administrator professional development and other quality-related activities. It would also transfer $1,000,000 from the Teacher-Administrator Preparation and Certification Fund to the General Fund in FY 2003-04.
FISCAL IMPACT:
By allowing for expanded uses of restricted funds, this bill could allow certification fund monies to replace General Funds in the Department of Education Budget, thereby allowing the displaced General Funds to be used in other areas of the State budget. The Governor’s recommended Department of Education budget for FY 2004-05 assumes this expanded use of certification fee revenue and recommends shifting $574,800 of appropriations from General Funds to certification funds.
Fiscal Analyst: Laurie Cummings
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.