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State board takes positions on several education bills; postpones formal opposition to SB 111
Summary
During the legislative‑session briefing the board voted on multiple bills — supporting several education measures, postponing a motion to formally oppose SB 111 while sponsors continue discussions, and dividing a multi‑bill motion to consider each bill individually.
Board members used the legislative portion of the meeting to register formal positions on several bills and to set expectations for staff and board engagement with sponsors as bills advance.
On SB 111, which several members described as “unclear” and “contradictory,” a motion to oppose the bill pending further changes was offered but then a separate motion to postpone that opposition until the board’s next meeting carried 9‑6. Vice Chair Hart had described SB 111 as unacceptable in its current form and said parts of the bill “need to be a little bit more crystal clear.” Several members also noted that sponsor meetings were ongoing.
The board voted to support several bills in divided votes. For example, the board registered support for House Bill 228 (public education immunization amendments); at least three members — Members Davis, Lear and Rill — were recorded as opposing HB 228 during the roll call. The board also supported HB 209 (second substitute, homeschool amendments). Board discussion on HB 209 focused on two central changes in the substitute: replacing an affidavit with a letter of intent and removing code language that some districts had interpreted as requiring a criminal background attestation for parents who homeschool. Members raised concerns about student counts and child‑find responsibilities under federal IDEA if homeschool families are not captured in state enrollment records.
Other bills included in a separated motion received board support; the motion was divided and taken one bill at a time per board request. Members repeatedly asked staff to provide brief talking points or concise summaries before voting when possible.
Member Hart and others said the board must send clear signals to sponsors and legislators about items it finds unacceptable, even where the board delays a formal position while negotiations continue. Staff indicated sponsors had been willing to meet and that some bills were being held by sponsors while conversations with the board continue.
