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HB 5513

AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF A HOLD HARMLESS PROVISION IN THE EDUCATION COST-SHARING GRANT FORMULA.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Anderson and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill adds protection preventing school districts from receiving less state education funding than prior year under revised cost-sharing formula.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Education
#educationequalization(educationcostsharing)
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Bill Summary · HB 5513

Legislative bill overview

HB 5513 proposes adding a "hold harmless" provision to Connecticut's Education Cost-Sharing (ECS) grant formula. A hold harmless clause typically prevents a municipality from receiving less state education funding than it received in the previous year, even if formula changes would otherwise reduce their allocation. This bill aims to protect districts from sudden funding cuts due to shifts in how the state calculates education aid distribution.

Why is this important

Connecticut's ECS formula determines how approximately $2.8 billion in state education funding is distributed to local school districts. Changes to this formula—whether based on enrollment, wealth indicators, or other factors—can significantly impact individual district budgets and property tax burdens. A hold harmless provision provides budget stability for districts that might lose funding under a recalibrated formula, but it also affects how new money is distributed statewide and can delay equity adjustments between wealthier and poorer districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on other districts: Hold harmless provisions typically require redirecting new state funding increases to protected districts, potentially limiting funding growth for districts that would gain under a reformed formula, particularly high-need urban districts
  • Formula reform delays: This protection may entrench an existing formula structure rather than encouraging comprehensive ECS reform that addresses documented equity gaps between districts
  • Definition and duration: The bill's specific terms are unclear from the title alone—how long the hold harmless applies and what triggers it significantly affect its practical and financial consequences

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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