HB 5409

Amends the School Code. Provides that all mandated categorical programs under the Code and the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act shall be funded at 100% of their required levels as calculated by the State Board of Education, without proration. Provides that, beginning with Fiscal Year 2027, the General Assembly shall appropriate funds for each fiscal year sufficient to fully reimburse school districts for all services and costs under mandated categorical programs, as required under the Code. Requires the State Board to annually provide to the General Assembly, no later than May 1 of each year, the appropriation levels needed to fully fund mandated categorical grant funding for the upcoming fiscal year. With respect to the evidence-based funding formula, provides that the State shall increase annual new State funds to ensure full funding of the formula beginning with Fiscal Year 2027. Requires the State Board to annually determine and report the amount necessary to bring all Tier 1 and Tier 2 organizational units to 100% of their adequacy targets, and requires the General Assembly to appropriate sufficient funds to meet this requirement no later than Fiscal Year 2027. Provides that no organizational unit may receive less than the amount determined under the formula in any fiscal year. Effective immediately.