Representative introduces proposal to raise school bonding capacity from 5% to 8%; committee moves to introduce measure

Representative Ben Furman asked the House Education Committee to introduce a rule draft that would increase school bonding capacity, saying the change is limited to a single line in the draft. "We are simply changing 1 thing on line 32 on the first page, and that is the school bonding capacity. And we're increasing that from 5% to 8%." Furman said the measure would not alter bonding processes or other bonding provisions.

Committee members asked whether the proposed increase would raise property taxes or change bond interest rates. Representative Harris asked, "will this increase allow for a higher financing rate, which would possibly would that increase property taxes?" Furman replied, "this will not increase property taxes. It won't increase financing rates, rates on bonds. It won't mess with any of that. It will allow some school districts to go out and bond for more than they currently can, but it would not, this bill in itself won't raise property taxes."

Representative Sauter asked whether any district bond would still go to a public vote; Furman confirmed that voter approval would remain in place. After brief discussion, Representative Sotto moved to introduce the rule draft as read (motion identified in the record as to introduce RS 32,112). The committee approved the motion by voice vote; the transcript records the chair calling for "All in favor, say aye," a single audible "Aye," and the chair declaring the motion carried. The transcript does not record a formal roll-call tally.

The measure as introduced affects only the stated bonding capacity line in the draft and does not change other bond procedures, voter-approval requirements or statutory processes, according to Furman on the record. No other statutory citations or funding details were provided during the introduction.

The committee accepted the introduction and moved on to subsequent agenda items.