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Committee introduces RS 32540 to require appropriated school funds be spent for their stated purpose
Summary
Representative Kyle Harris introduced RS 32540, a short proposal to require that legislative appropriations to public and charter schools be used for the purpose stated in the appropriation language; committee members questioned auditing mechanics and potential administrative burden.
Representative Kyle Harris, sponsor: "My name is Kyle Harris, representative, District 7. Today before you is RS3250. It's pretty cut and dry, short half pager." Harris told the committee the RS would require that any money appropriated by the Legislature for schools be used for the purpose specified in the appropriation language (for example, money for math and science must be used for math and science).
Harris said he would provide more detail to members on how current auditing is handled if the RS advances. Representative Church asked how the current state auditing process for schools works and who would ensure compliance; Harris replied he would "get that information for you after this is introduced if it gets through."
Representative Nelson expressed concern about the practical accounting burden. Nelson said fine-grained accounting for every dollar could be costly and might require hiring additional personnel, noting that earmarking could complicate routine district operations such as maintenance where a project may include multiple eligible costs. Harris responded that the RS is intended to be broad in categories (for example, "maintenance" can include a range of maintenance costs) and that the Legislative Services Office already audits state monies.
Representative Mathias and Representative Hawkins spoke in support of the motion to introduce; Hawkins said he had learned last year that some teacher-pay increases that were intended to reach classroom teachers were partly diverted and that the proposal is needed. The committee voted to introduce RS 32540; the motion carried.
