Committee hears bill letting governor draw on Education Trust Fund to cover special-education shortfalls

Lawmakers on the House Education Funding Committee on April 15 heard testimony on Senate Bill 292, a measure that would let the governor issue a warrant to withdraw money from the Education Trust Fund — and, if the trust fund lacks a balance, from the general fund — to cover unanticipated shortfalls in state special-education aid.

Committee members were told last year’s special-education program came in roughly $15 million over projections and that, under current law, that gap is prorated back to school districts and ultimately local property taxpayers. "This bill seeks to make sure that never happens again. We don't raise property taxes when the state has a shortfall," Senator Lang said, introducing the measure and citing a $15 million gap in last year’s budget.

Supporters framed SB 292 as a protection for local taxpayers and a compliance tool to ensure the state meets its statutory commitment for high‑cost special-education placements. "We…