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Witnesses say grant acceptance process in HB 695 should include earlier public discussion
Summary
Testimony on HB 695 urged that public discussion occur before school districts apply for and accept medically related grants, arguing that hearings after grant application leave little time for public input.
The committee opened and closed a continuation hearing on House Bill 695, which relates to school districts and medically related grants. Aubrey Freedman of Bridgewater testified in support of the bill, urging that public discussion occur before districts apply for and accept grants.
Freedman said school-district grant acceptance hearings are poorly attended and that when a district has already applied for a grant the subsequent acceptance hearing offers little practical opportunity for public input. She suggested it would be more transparent and efficient to have deliberation and discussion earlier—before the work of applying begins—or at town meetings where turnout is higher.
Freedman said changing the timing would give voters better opportunity for informed discussion before money and commitments are in place.
The committee closed the hearing without taking a vote; the bill remains in committee for further action.
