House Education Committee votes 9-5 to introduce RS 32,776, sending Launch-program changes to second-reading calendar

The House Committee on Education voted 9-5 on March 27, 2025, to introduce RS 32,776 and recommend it for placement on the second-reading calendar, a measure that would move proposed changes to the state’s Launch workforce-education program closer to floor consideration.

The committee rejected a substitute motion to return RS 32,776 to its sponsor by a 4-10 roll-call vote. Committee members debated whether the draft goes far enough to address program scope, governance and student eligibility before advancing it.

Representative Steve Miller, the bill sponsor, identified himself at the meeting as “Representative Steve Miller, legislative district 24,” and said the changes in RS 32,776 are “very brief” and clarify earlier language. Miller told the committee the changes were the only edits made since members last saw the draft.

Supporters described the proposal as an improvement on previous language. “I will be supporting this RS,” Representative Marmon said. Representative Tanner said he would back the main motion “to get it to the floor,” calling it a better version than earlier drafts. Representative Clow called the bill “a big improvement” while noting the advisory board’s role is limited and does not supplant the Workforce Development Council.

Members also pressed for further changes not contained in the RS. Representative Garner said the Launch program “was never supposed to send money to people to get masters and doctorate degrees,” and urged restricting funding away from post-baccalaureate degrees. Representative Clow clarified that the current Launch language does not primarily fund post-baccalaureate degrees but allows consideration of certain health-area baccalaureate programs if excess funds exist. Representative Sauter argued for taking the time now to make additional changes rather than postponing them to a future year.

A roll-call vote on the substitute motion to return RS 32,776 to the sponsor produced a 4-10 result, defeating the return. The committee then voted 9-5 to introduce the RS and recommend it for second reading with a do-pass recommendation.

The committee also approved minutes from its March 26, 2025, meeting by voice vote earlier in the session.

With the recommendation, RS 32,776 advances toward further floor consideration; the committee did not adopt additional amendments at the March 27 meeting. The committee adjourned at approximately 9:11 a.m.