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Senators back legislation to create select committee for school‑finance recalibration and appropriate $920,000
Summary
The Committee of the Whole reported House Bill 316 (school finance model recalibration) favorably. The bill creates a 12‑member select committee to oversee recalibration of the school finance funding model, appropriates $920,000 for consultant and committee expenses, and removes an explicit charter‑school funding study clause in a standing‑amend.
The Senate Committee of the Whole reported House Bill 316 favorably after floor consideration and adoption of a standing committee amendment that removed a specific charter‑school funding study clause.
Senator Rothfuss explained that House Bill 316 establishes a 12‑member select committee (six House members, six Senate members, each chamber to include at least one minority member) to undertake a recalibration of the state school finance model during the next interim. The select committee's mission is to evaluate whether the school‑foundation funding model is cost based and to report recommendations and any implementing legislation to the Legislature. The bill sets an appointment-extension deadline to February 9, 2026, and appropriates $920,000 for expenses associated with the select committee and its consultants. The select committee typically meets about 12 days during the interim, operator said.
Senators questioned the adequacy of appropriated funds and how carryover or previous appropriations in the feed bill or litigation funds might interface with the new appropriation. Senator Rafas said he would double‑check with staff, explaining that in past years a portion of consultant costs had been drawn from other continuous appropriations. Senator Higgs asked how much of the overall consultant funding had already been committed and what the total hiring budget would be.
The standing committee amendment struck language that specifically required the select committee to study charter‑school funding models in other states and propose a formula for charter schools; supporters of the change said the charter‑school funding question will still be considered as part of the larger funding model but the explicit separate mandate was unnecessary. The amendment passed on the floor.
With questions addressed, the Committee of the Whole reported the bill favorably. The bill includes a $920,000 appropriation for committee expenses and consultant work, an expected meeting cadence for the select committee (about 12 days), and a requirement to report recommendations back to the Legislature.
Ending: House Bill 316 was reported favorably by the Committee of the Whole and will be available for further Senate consideration. The appropriation of $920,000 for the select committee and consultant costs was part of the bill as explained on the Senate floor.
