Subcommittee advances multiple education bills; items range from classroom device limits to school accountability subpoenas

The Education Administration Subcommittee voted on a series of bills covering school athletics eligibility, security measures, classroom device rules, student special‑education procedures, emergency hybrid instruction and local school governance. Most measures were advanced to the full Education Committee; one high‑profile bill on expanding who may serve as SROs failed after extended debate.

Key results at a glance:

- House Bill 3 55 (virtual school student athletics): Sponsored by Chairman Powers, the bill would require local education agencies to permit virtual school students to participate in interscholastic athletics if they meet eligibility requirements. The committee voted to move the bill on to the full Education Committee; the clerk recorded six ayes.

- House Bill 3 99 (portable metal detector pilot): Rep. Bricken’s bill establishes a pilot allowing LEAs in up to 40 counties designated as distressed or at‑risk to apply for grants to obtain up to three smart portable metal…