SB 064

Home Bruce Back First Victory SB04-001 SB04-110 SB04-217 SB04-230 SB03-001 SB03-012 SB03-030 SB03-117 SB03-161 SB03-163 SB03-244 SB03-307 SB03-326 SB02-034 SB02-061 SB02-066 SB02-163 SB02-164 HB02-1139 SB01-023 SB01-064 SB01-070 SB01-115 SB01-175 HB01-1157 HB01-1368 Guest Book	Senate Bill 01-064
	The Amendment to the Bill	Bill in Microsoft Word Format
	First Regular Session Sixty-third General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO INTRODUCED LLS NO. 01-0383.02 Jeff Conway SENATE BILL 01-064 SENATE SPONSORSHIP Cairns HOUSE SPONSORSHIP (None) Senate Committees House Committees Education A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING THE CREATION OF THE EDUCATION ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP FOR OUR YOUTH TUITION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION THEREFORE. Bill Summary (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not necessarily reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted.) Creates the Education Access Scholarship for our Youth ("EASY") tuition scholarship program ("EASY scholarship program") to provide funding for any student to attend any public school, eligible nonpublic school, or nonpublic home-based educational program. Requires the state department of education ("department") to file a report with the state board of education ("state board") regarding the implementation of the EASY scholarship program between July 1, 2001, and August 15, 2001. Directs the department to include in the report: • The estimated number of students who are expected to participate in the EASY scholarship program; • An estimate of the additional educational moneys required by the EASY scholarship program; • The department's plan to receive and use public and private funding for the EASY scholarship program and to distribute the funding; and • Each school district's plan for publicizing to students the EASY scholarship program. Permits all students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 in any public school, eligible nonpublic school, or nonpublic home-based educational program to participate in the EASY scholarship program. Directs each parent or guardian to annually enroll his or her child in an eligible nonpublic school or a public school and to complete a form that serves as an application to receive a warrant. Requires the form to be kept on file for one year. Requires the form to disclose the educational options available to the parent or guardian and how to participate in the EASY scholarship program. Requires each eligible nonpublic school to annually file with the department the names of students and their parents or guardians who seek to participate in the EASY scholarship program for that school year and the respective school in which each is enrolled. Directs the department to issue and send to each eligible nonpublic school a warrant in the name of an officer of the school and the student and his or her parent or guardian no later than November 15 of each budget year. Specifies that the department is to send the warrants in the order that the forms were received. Permits each eligible nonpublic school to withhold up to $5 from each warrant for administrative costs. Permits an eligible nonpublic school to accept EASY scholarship students only if the school: • Meets at least the minimum number of hours of instruction and contact during the school year as is required for school districts; and • Is maintained and operated in compliance with all pertinent health and safety laws, unless it meets an exemption based on religious or philosophical grounds. Permits the commissioner of education to receive public and private moneys for the EASY scholarship program. Specifies that moneys are to be distributed as warrants drawn on the treasury that are only valid with the signatures of the student's parent and an eligible nonpublic school official. Prior to July 1, 2012, sets the value of the warrant at the actual value of the published annual tuition at the eligible nonpublic school or the calculated value, whichever is less. On and after July 1, 2012, sets the value of the warrant at the actual published value of the tuition or the amount of the state average per pupil operating revenues, whichever is less. Prohibits an eligible nonpublic school from charging more for tuition for an EASY scholarship student than for other students. Clarifies that an eligible nonpublic school receiving EASY scholarship moneys does not come under state or local regulation because of receiving such moneys. Specifies that the department can retain a portion of the moneys in the fund for administrative costs. Defines calculated value for eligible nonpublic school tuition as the amount of the base year tuition plus 10% for each school year after the base year. Permits a home school to receive EASY scholarship moneys of up to $1,000 per year if the money is used for educational materials, the warrant is signed by the parent or guardian, and receipts are presented. Directs each school district to file a form with the department that lists the names and addresses of the students and their parents or guardians who enroll in a public school of the school district and the public school in which each is enrolled. Requires the department to issue and send to each public school a warrant in the name of the principal of the school and the student and his or her parent or guardian no later than November 15 of each applicable budget year. Directs the department to send the warrants in the order that the forms were received. Permits each school district to withhold up to $5 for administrative costs. Sets the warrant amount at the state share of the school district's total program divided by the school district's total pupil enrollment. Directs each school district to provide monthly to the department a certification of pupil enrollment and a listing of those students enrolled since August 1 or that are no longer enrolled. Requires the state board to adjust any equal monthly payments under the "School Finance Act". Permits the school district to validate the warrant if the parent or guardian has not signed the warrant after receiving adequate notice. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado: SECTION 10 Title 22, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW ARTICLE to read: ARTICLE 54.5 Education Access Scholarship for our Youth - EASY Scholarships 22-54.5-101. Short title. THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE "EDUCATION ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUR YOUTH ACT". 22-54.5-102. Legislative declaration. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY FINDS THAT PROVIDING PARENTS WITH A GREATER NUMBER OF EDUCATION CHOICES FOR THEIR CHILDREN WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE STATE. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FURTHER FINDS THAT NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS PROVIDE A QUALITY EDUCATION THAT IS COMPETITIVE WITH AND OFTEN SUPERIOR TO THAT PROVIDED BY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THAT USING PUBLIC SCHOLARSHIPS IN ASSISTING ALL PARENTS TO ENROLL THEIR CHILDREN IN ANY PUBLIC OR NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SERVES THE PUBLIC GOOD. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FURTHER FINDS THAT AN OVERALL GOAL OF FOSTERING THE EMPOWERMENT OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS WITHIN THE STATE'S SYSTEM OF PUBLIC EDUCATION WOULD YIELD WIDE-RANGING AND PROFOUND BENEFITS AS WELL AS INCREASE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE EDUCATION OF THE STATE'S CHILDREN. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THEREFORE ADOPTS THIS ARTICLE AND SECTION 22-54-123 AS MEASURES TO IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION FOR ALL COLORADO STUDENTS. 22-54.5-103. Definitions. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES: (1) "COMMISSIONER" MEANS THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-2-110. (2) "DEPARTMENT" MEANS THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CREATED AND EXISTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-1-115, C.R.S. (3) "EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM" MEANS THE EDUCATION ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUR YOUTH TUITION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 22-54.5-104. (4) "ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL" MEANS A NONPUBLIC SCHOOL THAT MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 22-54.5-106 FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. (5) "NONPUBLIC SCHOOL" MEANS ANY NONPUBLIC SCHOOL OPERATING IN THIS STATE. "NONPUBLIC SCHOOL" DOES NOT INCLUDE A CHARTER SCHOOL ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF THIS TITLE. (6) "STATE BOARD" MEANS THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CREATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION. 22-54.5-104. EASY scholarship program - creation. (1) THERE IS HEREBY CREATED THE EDUCATION ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP FOR OUR YOUTH TUITION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, ALSO KNOWN AS THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR EACH STUDENT IN COLORADO TO ATTEND ANY PUBLIC OR ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL OR NONPUBLIC, HOME-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAM. FUNDING FOR STUDENTS TO ATTEND ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS AND NONPUBLIC, HOME-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAMS SHALL BE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE. FUNDING FOR STUDENTS TO ATTEND PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHALL BE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 54 OF THIS TITLE. (2) ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2001, BUT PRIOR TO AUGUST 15, 2001, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT TO THE STATE BOARD A REPORT REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE: (a) THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM; (b) AN ESTIMATE OF THE AMOUNT OF ADDITIONAL EDUCATION MONEYS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE; (c) THE DEPARTMENT'S PLAN TO RECEIVE AND USE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING FOR THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AND THE DEPARTMENT'S PLAN FOR DISTRIBUTING THE FUNDING RECEIVED AMONG STUDENTS; AND (d) EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT'S PLAN FOR PUBLICIZING TO STUDENTS THE PROVISIONS OF THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. 22-54.5-105. EASY scholarship program - procedure. (1) ANY STUDENT ENROLLED IN ANY ONE OF GRADES ONE THROUGH TWELVE OR IN KINDERGARTEN, IF KINDERGARTEN IS OFFERED, IN ANY PUBLIC OR ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AS PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE AND IN SECTION 22-54-123. (2) (a) PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 15, 2001, AND PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 15 OF EACH SUCCEEDING BUDGET YEAR, EACH PARENT OR GUARDIAN ENROLLING HIS OR HER CHILD IN AN ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL FOR THAT SCHOOL YEAR SHALL COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE SCHOOL A FORM THAT SERVES AS AN APPLICATION TO RECEIVE A WARRANT PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE. THE FORM OF THE APPLICATION SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL AND THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN SHALL PROVIDE, AT A MINIMUM, THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF SUCH PARENT OR GUARDIAN AND THE CHILD OR CHILDREN ENROLLING IN THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL. THE COMPLETED FORMS SHALL BE KEPT ON FILE AT THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL FOR AT LEAST ONE CALENDAR YEAR. THE FORM SHALL ALSO CONTAIN A STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE THAT, AS PROVIDED IN STATE STATUTE, THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN MAY ENROLL HIS OR HER CHILD OR CHILDREN IN ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL, INCLUDING A CHARTER SCHOOL, THAT IS LOCATED WITHIN OR OUTSIDE OF HIS OR HER SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE OR ANY ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL OR ANY NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. THE FORM SHALL ALSO CONTAIN A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE CHILD MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE AND SECTION 22-54-123. THE FORM SHALL ALSO CONTAIN A STATEMENT THAT THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN, BY SIGNING, ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE OR SHE HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE DISCLOSURES CONTAINED ON THE FORM. (b) PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1, 2001, AND PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1 OF EACH SUCCEEDING BUDGET YEAR, EACH ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE DEPARTMENT A FORM, SPECIFIED BY RULE OF THE STATE BOARD, THAT SETS FORTH THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS WHO SEEK TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR THAT SCHOOL YEAR AND HAVE ENROLLED IN THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL. NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 15 OF EACH BUDGET YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ISSUE AND SEND TO EACH ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL THAT SUBMITS A FORM PURSUANT TO THIS PARAGRAPH (b) A WARRANT FOR EACH ENROLLED STUDENT SPECIFIED IN THE FORM. THE WARRANTS SHALL BE ISSUED IN THE NAME OF AN OFFICER OF THE SCHOOL AND THE RESPECTIVE STUDENT AND HIS OR HER PARENT OR GUARDIAN. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SEND SUCH WARRANTS IN THE ORDER THAT THE FORMS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS. EACH ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL MAY WITHHOLD UP TO FIVE DOLLARS FROM EACH WARRANT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. A WARRANT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE REDEEMABLE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 22-54.5-107 (2). 22-54.5-106. EASY scholarship program - eligible nonpublic schools. (1) A NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL ONLY ACCEPT STUDENTS AND RECEIVE MONEYS DRAWN FROM WARRANTS PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE IF IT HAS COMPLIED WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: (a) THE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL MEET AT LEAST THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF HOURS OF PLANNED TEACHER-PUPIL INSTRUCTION AND TEACHER-PUPIL CONTACT DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR AS ARE REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN SECTION 22-32-109 (1) (n);AND (b) THE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL BE MAINTAINED AND OPERATED IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL PERTINENT ORDINANCES AND LAWS INVOLVING THE FACILITY, INCLUDING RULES AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED PURSUANT THERETO, RELATIVE TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL PERSONS UPON THE PREMISES. 22-54.5-107. EASY scholarship program - fund - creation - warrants - eligible nonpublic schools. (1) THE COMMISSIONER IS AUTHORIZED TO SEEK PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MONEYS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT SUCH MONEYS FOR THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE. SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FUND, WHICH FUND IS HEREBY CREATED, AND SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE EXPENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT, SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. ANY MONEYS CREDITED TO THE FUND AND UNEXPENDED AT THE END OF ANY GIVEN FISCAL YEAR SHALL REMAIN IN THE FUND AND SHALL NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND. (2) (a) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DISTRIBUTE ALL MONEYS RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AMONG ALL STUDENTS ATTENDING ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE. DISTRIBUTION OF MONEYS TO EACH STUDENT SHALL BE IN THE FORM OF A WARRANT DRAWN ON THE TREASURY. THE WARRANT SHALL BE SIGNED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF SUCH STUDENT, THE STUDENT, AND THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE; EXCEPT THAT THE WARRANT SHALL BE VALID IF SIGNED ONLY BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN AND SUCH OFFICER OR DESIGNEE. THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL MAY REDEEM THE WARRANT THROUGH THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE FOR THE AMOUNT STATED ON THE FACE OF THE WARRANT. (b) PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2012, THE VALUE OF THE WARRANT DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (a) OF THIS SUBSECTION (2) SHALL BE THE ACTUAL PUBLISHED VALUE OF ANNUAL TUITION AT THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL IN WHICH THE STUDENT ENROLLS OR THE CALCULATED VALUE SET FORTH IN SECTION 22-29-108, WHICHEVER IS LESS. (c) ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 2012, THE VALUE OF THE WARRANT DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (a) OF THIS SUBSECTION (2) SHALL BE THE ACTUAL PUBLISHED VALUE OF ANNUAL TUITION AT THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL IN WHICH THE STUDENT ENROLLS OR THE AMOUNT OF THE STATE AVERAGE PER PUPIL OPERATING REVENUES, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 22-54-103 (12), WHICHEVER IS LESS. (3) AN ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL NOT CHARGE ANY STUDENT RECEIVING EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM MONEYS TUITION IN AN AMOUNT THAT EXCEEDS THE PUBLISHED AMOUNT OF TUITION CHARGED TO OTHER STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL. (4) AN ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL THAT ENROLLS EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM STUDENTS MAY ACCEPT MONEYS PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE AND SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO REGULATION BY ANY STATE AGENCY OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION AS A RESULT OF ACCEPTING SAID MONEYS. (5) THE DEPARTMENT MAY USE UP TO ONE-HALF OF ONE PERCENT OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEYS ANNUALLY APPROPRIATED TO THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FUND, OR FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, WHICHEVER IS LESS, TO OFFSET THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCURRED IN IMPLEMENTING THE EASY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. 22-54.5-108. EASY scholarship program - nonpublic school tuition - calculated value - repeal. (1) PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2012, THE AMOUNT OF TUITION THAT IS REIMBURSED TO AN ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL PURSUANT TO A WARRANT ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE MAY BE CALCULATED ACCORDING TO THE FORMULA SET FORTH IN SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION. SUCH CALCULATION SHALL RELY ON THE 2001-02 SCHOOL YEAR AS THE BASE YEAR AND A BASE YEAR TUITION AMOUNT OF TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS. (2) THE CALCULATED VALUE FOR TUITION THAT MAY BE PAID ON A WARRANT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE FOR ANY ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL BE THE BASE YEAR TUITION AMOUNT INCREASED BY TEN PERCENT OF THE BASE YEAR TUITION AMOUNT FOR EACH SCHOOL YEAR AFTER THE BASE YEAR. (3) THIS SECTION IS REPEALED EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2012. 22-54.5-109. EASY scholarship program - home-based educational program. (1) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE, THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF A STUDENT WHO ATTENDS A NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-33-104.5 MAY RECEIVE A WARRANT FOR AN EASY SCHOLARSHIP SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: (a) MONEYS RECEIVED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE USED ONLY TO DEFRAY THE COST OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS; (b) THE AMOUNT RECEIVED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE NO MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER SCHOOL YEAR FOR EACH NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM; (c) THE WARRANT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION REQUIRES THE SIGNATURE OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WHO IS IN CHARGE AND IN CONTROL OF THE NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM TO BE VALID; AND (d) THE WARRANT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL ONLY BE AVAILABLE UPON PRESENTATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ALL RELEVANT RECEIPTS FOR THE EXPENSES OF SUCH EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS INCURRED DURING THAT SCHOOL YEAR. (2) (a) PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1, 2001, AND PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1 OF EACH SUCCEEDING APPLICABLE BUDGET YEAR, EACH NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THAT SEEKS TO RECEIVE A WARRANT FOR AN EASY SCHOLARSHIP PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE DEPARTMENT: (I) A FORM, SPECIFIED BY RULE OF THE STATE BOARD, THAT SETS FORTH THE NAME OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WHO IS IN CHARGE AND IN CONTROL OF THE NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THAT SCHOOL YEAR; AND (II) ALL RELEVANT RECEIPTS FOR EXPENSES DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (d) OF SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION. (b) NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 15 OF EACH BUDGET YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ISSUE AND SEND TO EACH NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THAT SUBMITS A FORM AND RECEIPTS PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (a) OF THIS SUBSECTION (2) A WARRANT ISSUED IN THE NAME OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WHO IS IN CHARGE AND IN CONTROL OF THE NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SEND SUCH WARRANTS IN THE ORDER THAT THE FORMS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. DISTRIBUTION OF MONEYS TO EACH NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE IN THE FORM OF A WARRANT DRAWN ON THE TREASURY. THE NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM MAY REDEEM THE WARRANT THROUGH THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE FOR THE AMOUNT STATED ON THE FACE OF THE WARRANT. SECTION 20 Article 54 of title 22, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION to read: 22-54-123. Public school students - EASY scholarship program. (1) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE, ON OR BEFORE THE SECOND MONDAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2001, AND ON OR BEFORE THE SECOND MONDAY OF SEPTEMBER OF EACH SUCCEEDING SCHOOL YEAR, EACH PARENT OR GUARDIAN SHALL ENROLL HIS OR HER CHILD AS A STUDENT IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL, AN ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 22-54.5-103 (4), OR A NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 22-33-104.5 (2) (a), TO RECEIVE FUNDING PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION OR ARTICLE 54.5 OF THIS TITLE. (2) (a) PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 15, 2001, AND PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 15 OF EACH SUCCEEDING BUDGET YEAR, EACH PARENT OR GUARDIAN ENROLLING HIS OR HER CHILD IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR THAT SCHOOL YEAR SHALL COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE SCHOOL A FORM THAT SERVES AS AN APPLICATION TO RECEIVE A WARRANT PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. THE FORM OF THE APPLICATION SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN SHALL PROVIDE, AT A MINIMUM, THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF SUCH PARENT OR GUARDIAN AND THE CHILD OR CHILDREN ENROLLING IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL. THE COMPLETED FORMS SHALL BE KEPT ON FILE AT THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR AT LEAST ONE CALENDAR YEAR. THE FORM SHALL ALSO CONTAIN A STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE THAT, AS PROVIDED IN STATE STATUTE, THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN MAY ENROLL HIS OR HER CHILD OR CHILDREN IN ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL, INCLUDING A CHARTER SCHOOL, THAT IS LOCATED WITHIN OR OUTSIDE OF HIS OR HER SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE OR ANY ELIGIBLE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL OR ANY NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. THE FORM SHALL ALSO CONTAIN A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE CHILD MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE EDUCATION ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUR YOUTH TUITION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND ARTICLE 54.5 OF THIS TITLE. THE FORM SHALL ALSO CONTAIN A STATEMENT THAT THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN, BY SIGNING, ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE OR SHE HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE DISCLOSURES CONTAINED IN THE FORM. (b) PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1, 2001, AND PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1 OF EACH SUCCEEDING BUDGET YEAR, EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE DEPARTMENT A FORM, SPECIFIED BY RULE OF THE STATE BOARD, THAT SETS FORTH THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS WHO ARE ENROLLING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THAT BUDGET YEAR AND THE RESPECTIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL IN WHICH EACH STUDENT IS ENROLLED. (c) NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 15 OF EACH BUDGET YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ISSUE AND SEND TO EACH SUCH PUBLIC SCHOOL A WARRANT FOR EACH STUDENT REPORTED AS ENROLLED IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL. THE WARRANT SHALL BE ISSUED IN THE NAME OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL AND THE STUDENT AND HIS OR HER PARENT OR GUARDIAN. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SEND SUCH WARRANTS IN THE ORDER THAT THE FORMS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS. EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY WITHHOLD UP TO FIVE DOLLARS FROM EACH WARRANT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. (d) EACH WARRANT DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (c) OF THIS SUBSECTION (2) SHALL BE IN THE AMOUNT OF THE STATE SHARE OF THE DISTRICT'S TOTAL PROGRAM, AS DETERMINED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-54-104, DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. EACH WARRANT SHALL BE CREDITED TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ONLY UPON SIGNATURE OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND THE STUDENT'S PARENT OR GUARDIAN, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION. (3) FROM OCTOBER THROUGH MAY OF EACH BUDGET YEAR, BEGINNING WITH THE 2001-02 BUDGET YEAR, EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL PROVIDE MONTHLY TO THE DEPARTMENT A CERTIFICATION OF PUPIL ENROLLMENT AND A LISTING OF THOSE STUDENTS, ALONG WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS, WHO ARE EITHER IN ADDITION TO THE ENROLLMENT SET ON AUGUST 1 OF THAT BUDGET YEAR OR ARE NO LONGER ENROLLED IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL. THE STATE BOARD SHALL ACCORDINGLY ADJUST ANY REMAINING MONTHLY PAYMENTS AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 22-54-115. (4) IF A PARENT OR GUARDIAN DOES NOT SIGN THE WARRANT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER ISSUANCE, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL PROVIDE ADEQUATE NOTICE TO THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF HIS OR HER OBLIGATION TO SIGN SUCH WARRANT. IF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN DOES NOT SIGN THE WARRANT WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER RECEIVING SUCH NOTICE, THE WARRANT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON THE SIGNATURE OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL. SECTION 30 22-32-109 (1), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW PARAGRAPH to read: 22-32-109. Board of education - specific duties - repeal. (1) In addition to any other duty required to be performed by law, each board of education shall have and perform the following specific duties: (dd) TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES PURSUANT TO THE "EDUCATION ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUR YOUTH ACT", ARTICLE 54.5 OF THIS TITLE, AND SECTION 22-54-123, INCLUDING PUBLICIZING TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT HOW STUDENTS MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM CREATED BY SAID ACT. SECTION 4. Appropriation. In addition to any other appropriation, there is hereby appropriated, out of any moneys in the state education fund, created in section 17 of article IX of the state constitution, not otherwise appropriated, to the department of education, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, the sum of _____ dollars ($ ) and _____ FTE, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for the implementation of this act. SECTION 5. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety. Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment. Capital letters indicate new material to be added to existing statute. Dashes through the words indicate deletions from existing statute.