Committee agrees to early literacy bill with accountability measures, expanded allowable uses

The committee recommended House Bill 30 40 with a dash B6 conflict amendment that adjusts the early literacy grant program statutes to add accountability measures and expand allowable funding uses.

Senator Solman presented the bill and said it clarifies that research-aligned literacy strategies apply across all kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms and expands allowable uses of grant funds to include professional development and instructional assistance in elementary schools. The bill defines authorities and accountabilities related to school districts achieving reading proficiency outcomes.

The dash B6 amendment resolves conflicts with Senate Bill 141 by removing duplicative provisions that would have authorized the Department of Education to require specific textbooks or instructional materials for districts not meeting proficiency goals. The Capital Construction Subcommittee recommended HB 3040 be amended by dash B6 and reported out due pass as amended.

Senator Anderson voiced support for the measure and noted a desire for earlier interventions before kindergarten, saying, "My only regret is that we're not soon enough in having access for our young people to have access prior to kindergarten." The motion to report out passed without recorded objections.

Action: The Capital Construction Subcommittee recommended HB 3040 be amended (dash B6) and reported out due pass as amended.