AN ACT CONCERNING EMERGENCY GRANTS TO MUNICIPALITIES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION.

HB 7163 establishes a $40 million emergency grant program for municipalities to cover special education costs incurred during fiscal year 2025. The funds, drawn from the General Fund only if April 2025 revenue projections show a sufficient surplus, are distributed by the Commissioner of Education as grants to local governments. Municipalities must use the grants exclusively for special education and related services costs from the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This bill directly affects all Connecticut municipalities with special education programs by providing emergency financial assistance during a projected budget surplus. The grant mechanism is triggered by specific revenue reporting requirements and must be spent within the designated fiscal year.