Appropriates $32,000,000 for schools in the department of education for equipment, supplies, and services. Reimburses each teacher up to $200 for money spent on classroom and instructional teaching supplies.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, in addition to investing in school facilities, other important needs such as textbooks, computers, equipment, supplies, and necessary services are not funded adequately. Moreover, teachers often use their personal resources to purchase much-needed classroom and instructional supplies.

The purpose of this Act is to provide funds to each school for equipment, services, and supplies, as well as reimburse teachers for instructional and classroom supplies they purchase with personal funds.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $32,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for school level equipment, supplies, and services. The sum shall be divided equally on a per pupil basis and allocated to each school based upon the school's student population.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,400,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for reimbursement of up to $200 per teacher for personal funds expended for classroom and instructional supplies. The department of education may adopt rules, pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as necessary to implement the purposes of this section.

SECTION 4. Sums appropriated under this Act shall be in addition to any other funds that may be appropriated for the same purposes.

SECTION 5. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.