Summary of Bill S 380

Bill Information

• Bill Number: S 380
• Title: Relates to exempting the costs of BOCES services and programs from the real property tax levy limit
• Status: Referred to Education
• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 380 aims to provide financial relief to school districts by exempting the costs associated with Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) from the real property tax levy limit. This exemption is intended to ensure that school districts can adequately fund essential educational services and programs without being constrained by tax levy limits.

Key Provisions

• Exemption from Tax Levy Limit: The bill proposes that expenditures related to BOCES services and programs will not count against the real property tax levy limit imposed on school districts. This means that districts can spend on BOCES without affecting their overall tax cap calculations.

• Support for Educational Services: By exempting these costs, the bill seeks to enhance the ability of school districts to provide a broader range of educational services, including special education, vocational training, and other cooperative programs that BOCES offers.

Who Would Be Affected

• School Districts: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are school districts that utilize BOCES services. They will have greater flexibility in budgeting for educational programs without the pressure of tax levy limits.

• Students and Families: Students who rely on BOCES programs for specialized education and vocational training will benefit from improved access to these services, potentially leading to better educational outcomes.

• BOCES Organizations: The bill supports BOCES organizations by ensuring that school districts can afford to utilize their services, thereby sustaining and potentially expanding the programs offered.

Procedural Aspects

• Legislative Action: The bill was introduced on January 08, 2025, and has been referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.

• Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session bills S 8724 and S 1574, as well as companion bill A 3257, indicating ongoing legislative interest in addressing the funding of BOCES services.

Conclusion

Bill S 380 represents an important legislative effort to support educational funding by exempting BOCES costs from tax levy limits. If passed, it could significantly enhance the financial flexibility of school districts and improve access to vital educational programs for students across the state.