SDCA Week 8 Legislative Monitor Report

Week 8 was busy as expected getting bills through the second house and work with the Appropriations Committees on the funding bills. We have one week left – four days to still work on bills and the budget.

In education we still have 3 bills to pass on Monday – in the Senate are bills HB 1249 – bill to change the procedures in the School Finance Accountability Board and also HB 1082 – changing the parameters for reimbursement of schools that provide free or reduced lunch – this bill was killed in Senate Approp and smoked to the floor of the Senate so we have to calendar it and then get it passed. In the House is SB 106 – an additional 1 million for the extraordinary cost fund for special education and we are in strong support.

Then there are a number of property tax bills that we are working with a coalition to kill on property tax relief for owner occupied and other bills trying to once again change the opt out procedures for excess tax levies which impact school. There are also about three title bills that could be used for something on Monday, and we will be watching them as there are rumors some people want to try a charter school bill again.

The rest of the week will be spent working on any conference committees and also on getting the appropriations bill for one time money and the 2027 Budget. Right now we are hearing that the Big Three are at 1.4 % increase but that could also change. As you can see we still have a lot of work ahead of us. SB 190 – bill you have been concerned about – Rights of Parents – passed the House State Affairs Committee 8-5 with a couple amendments and was defeated on the House floor 30-35, then was reconsidered and failed again 30-36.

SENATE BILLS

SB 106--Extraordinary Cost fund bill for special education and indexing to CPI – you should support – passed committee and sent to Appropriations Committee 6-1. Hearing in Sen Approp and passed committee and passed Senate 23-10. See narrative and bill is on the House floor on Monday.

SB 190--Rights of parents – 2/10 hearing in Sen Judiciary – we have seen this bill before – look at this closely for any objections – bill passed committee and died on the Senate floor but sponsor moved for reconsideration and it passed – Bill passed Senate 19-15. Bill is set for hearing in House State Affairs and passed and is on the House floor – OPPOSE – see narrative at front of report. Bill died after two attempts to pass.

 HOUSE BILLS           

HB 1082 –Establishes parameters for the reimbursement of schools that provide free or reduced price meals – Bill was sent to House Appropriations Committee with a due pass recommendation – passed Committee and passed House 46-20. See narrative – on Senate floor on Monday - support

HB 1187 – Make volunteer coaches mandatory child abuse reporters – Support – passed House Jud Committee with an amendment but new amendment was proposed and failed so another amendment was proposed that stated only coaches in school activities and that amendment passed, Bill then passed 66-0. Bill passed Senate Judiciary and is on consent in the Senate