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Senate committee advances a package of education bills; votes at a glance
Summary
A Senate education subcommittee moved several bills to the calendar, including measures on pregnancy accommodations, postsecondary scholarships for students with disabilities, robotics funding, Purple Star recognition for military‑connected schools, and a requirement that schools accept cash at events.
A Senate education subcommittee advanced a group of bills addressing a range of K‑12 and postsecondary education issues and moved each to the committee calendar. The measures included accommodations for pregnant and recently postpartum students at public colleges, a scholarship program for students in Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs, access to Perkins funding for robotics teams, a Purple Star recognition for military‑connected schools, and a requirement that schools accept legal tender for event admissions.
Senator Taylor reported that Senate File 12 would provide consistent, institution‑wide reasonable accommodations for students who are pregnant or recently gave birth at institutions governed by the Board of Regents or community colleges. An amendment removed a requirement that students be allowed to remain in student housing during a leave of absence and replaced a reference to the attorney general with the civil rights commission for complaint handling; the amendment passed and the bill was advanced.
Senate File 14 would create a scholarship program administered by the Student Aid Commission for individuals with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities enrolled in U.S. Department of Education‑approved CTP programs. The bill sets an award cap not to exceed $5,000 per individual per year and requires annual application for renewal; the amendment clarifying the annual cap and renewals passed.
Senate File 61 directs the Department of Education to provide resources and technical assistance for school districts to establish career and technical student organizations (CTSO) and allows schools to draw down federal Perkins Act funds to support robotics teams and competitions. The sponsor noted the bill previously passed the Senate 48-0 the prior year and the subcommittee advanced it again.
Senate study bill 1067 would create a Purple Star school initiative recognizing schools that support military‑connected students; the bill was advanced without an appropriation. Senate File 141 would require public schools to accept legal tender for admission to school‑sponsored events; that bill also moved forward.
All of the listed bills were advanced by the subcommittee and placed on the committee calendar for further action. Several passed following voice votes or unanimous consent.
