Days 33 and 34 consisted of very little floor action from both chambers on education legislation. Most of the activity took place in the House Education subcommittees and the full House Education committee. I will focus on the Full House Education Committee.
House Education Committee
SB 204 – Sen Greg Dolezal – This is the favored accreditation bill that changed only slightly as it includes a small portion of a controversial House accreditation bill to include an appeals process related to the accreditation process. The makers are 65% academic performance and 35% financial management. The State Board of Education will have some flexibility on the markers and can make adjustments. This passed the House Ed committee. Goes to House Rules for consideration for a full House vote.
SB 211 – Sen Billy Hickman – Literacy bill – This bill forms a Literacy Council to monitor and dig into metrics to assess the progress of reading in the state. A statewide literacy coach will be funded at the part-time level at $60,000. Unfortunately, Sen Hickman continues to discredit superintendents as shouldering most of the blame for the current literacy deficits in K-12. I would hope that we can arrive at a place where all involved should be pulling in the same direction without finding a scapegoat. The bill passed out of committee and now is moving to House Rules for consideration for a floor on the House Floor.
SB 32 – Sen Jason Anivatarte – Alyssa’s Law – requires a mobile panic alert system that is connected to local law enforcement, GEMA,…etc. for all schools. DOAS will provide a list of multiple vendors who provide the latest safety technology. Passed House Ed. Moves to House Rules for consideration.
SB 45 – Sen Jason Anivatarte – Aj’s Law – Requires an epilepsy seizure action plan for all schools. Minimum to one teacher trained on each grade level with some flexibility. This does not require any specific teacher to engage in being trained but requests will be made on the training for this seizure response process. Passed House Ed now moves to House rules.
The voucher legislation SB 233 will be heard next week and the support for this bill is growing in the House. The fiscal impact is not being considered. GBPI has completed an analysis that indicates a conservative estimate of $190 million a year. With $40 million being diverted from K-12 public school funding. Click here for GBPI. GBPI SB 233 analysis Worth taking a look at the analysis.
Day 35 tomorrow. We expect the pace to continue to pick up next week! Have a good night!
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