Appropriations panel adopts technical amendment to cyber charter bill amid objections on process

House Bill 1,500, which would amend the Public School Code to make comprehensive changes to laws governing cyber charter schools, was considered and rereported from the House Appropriations Committee on June 1, 2025, after the committee adopted a technical amendment.

Several committee Republicans objected to the timing and process used to advance the bill. One Republican member said the bill was "introduced on a Friday, rushed through... Here we are on a Tuesday, getting ready for final tomorrow, amending it in appropriations," and added that the legislation "needs a lot of work" and "is not ready to move forward." The member concluded, "all Republicans will be a no on house bill 1,500."

Chairman Harris and other members described the amendment as technical. The chair responded to objections by noting that technical amendments are sometimes made during third reading on the floor but acknowledged that appropriations typically addresses fiscal impact rather than policy.

Despite objections about process and calls to allow more time to evaluate reforms introduced in the previous budget cycle, the committee adopted amendment A000865 and rereported House Bill 1,500 as amended.

The committee record shows no floor-level action taken at this meeting beyond adopting the amendment and rereporting the bill; further action would occur on the House floor where third-reading and final passage can take place.