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House approves one-time appropriation for technical-college equipment after amendment
Summary
After amending House Bill 11 14 downward on the floor, the House passed the measure on Feb. 25 to keep consideration moving for a one-time appropriation to help technical colleges purchase updated equipment; the bill was amended on the floor to $100 to preserve further negotiation with the Senate.
The House on Feb. 25 passed a bill to authorize state support for technical-college equipment purchases after a floor amendment reduced the appropriation to a placeholder amount to allow further negotiation with the Senate.
Representative Regina Roby, the bill sponsor, originally proposed a one-time appropriation of $6,736,000 to help four technical colleges buy approximately $10 million of equipment. "Operating technical programs at the college level requires a wide variety of equipment that is up to date with what is used by employers," Roby said on the floor, listing sample purchases such as a drill press, handheld laser welder and dental-hygiene lab equipment.
During floor consideration members moved and adopted an amendment (11 14 B) that replaced the full appropriation with $100 to keep the bill moving while the House and Senate negotiate. The amendment passed on a division and the bill, as amended, later passed the House by the two-thirds margin required for an appropriation bill: recorded vote 47 ayes, 22 nays.
Supporters said the requested funds would be matched by local colleges, private donations and grants and emphasized workforce benefits; Representative Derby noted appropriations committees vetted the request and sent it forward. Opponents raised broader budget concerns but did not block the amended bill.
The technical colleges specifically named in the sponsor's remarks included Lake Area Tech, Mitchell Tech, Southeast Tech and Western Dakota (each cited as examples for specific equipment purchases). Representatives said the funds would help students train on employer-used equipment and would increase alignment between training and industry needs.
The amended appropriation will now go to the Senate. Representatives noted they could negotiate the funding level in conference if both chambers take up the bill.
Speakers quoted in this article are listed below. The House vote occurred Feb. 25, 2025.
