128th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 573		LR 1000(01)
	Resolve, To Audit Standardized Testing in Maine's Schools
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Sen. Libby of Androscoggin
	Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	Requiring the Maine Education Policy Research Institute to conduct an audit of standardized testing in a random sample of school administrative units statewide in order to gain an understanding of the amount, cost and usefulness of standardized testing and to submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by January 1, 2018 with its findings and recommendations is estimated to cost $30,000 in fiscal year 2017-18.
	The Governor's proposed budget for the 2018-2019 biennium includes funding within the Department of Education's General Purpose Aid for Local Schools program of $250,000 in both fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19 to support the work of the institute, which was established by Public Law 1995, c. 395, Part J to collect and analyze education information and perform targeted education research for the Legislature. It is assumed that this funding will be sufficient to support the costs of this legislation and the study will be included in the 2017-2018 workplan approved by the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. Therefore, no General Fund appropriation is required. This estimate of fiscal impact may need to be revised based on the final legislative actions in the first regular session of the 128th Legislature.