Committee votes ITL 10-8 on bill to repeal charter-school eligibility for state school building aid

The committee debated House Bill 515, which would have repealed charter public school eligibility for state school building aid. Representative Popovich-Mueller moved inexpedient to legislate (ITL) and Representative McGuire seconded. Supporters of ITL argued charter schools are public schools and should not be treated differently; speakers said the bill would treat charter-school students as "second-class" and urged rejection. Opponents argued charter schools are legally distinct entities (incorporated nonprofit corporations) that do not have the same governance or statutory duties as district public schools and cited financial risks observed in past charter school closures.

After floor discussion, the committee called the roll. The ITL motion passed by a vote of 10 yes, 8 no. Representative Damon offered to file a minority report; Representative Popovich said she would file the majority report. The chair set a noon deadline the next day for submission of the minority/majority reports for docketing.

Why it matters: The committee's ITL recommendation prevents the bill from moving forward to a committee report that would send the measure to the floor; the close 10-8 vote shows the topic split the committee and reflects ongoing statewide debate over charter school funding and infrastructure eligibility.

Vote details: Motion: ITL on HB 515 (repeal charter eligibility for school building aid). Mover: Representative Popovich-Mueller. Second: Representative McGuire. Result: 10 yes, 8 no. Outcome: ITL; bill to be placed on regular calendar process with reports as required.

Ending: The committee instructed the majority and minority report authors to get drafts to the chair by noon the following day for docketing.