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House committee tables bill to rewrite basic school funding definition
Summary
Lawmakers debated Senate Bill 215, which would revise Montana’s definition of the basic system for free public elementary and secondary schools, but members said the measure was unfocused and deferred action by tabling it after a 2–13 roll-call vote against concurrence.
House Education Committee members tabled Senate Bill 215 after debate over whether the bill is the right vehicle to overhaul school funding.
Laura (committee staff) summarized SB215 as an act ‘‘to revise school funding laws related to the definition of the basic system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools.’’ Vice Chair Greg moved concurrence, but during discussion several members said the bill lacked a clear focus. "It felt really scattered to me," Representative Strain said, adding that he was unsure how the bill would accomplish its stated goals. Representative Eisley said the measure raised questions about how performance would be defined and suggested the decennial study might be a more appropriate forum.
Representative Deming voiced support for seeking ways to improve outcomes, but others, including Representative Thain, urged caution. Thain cited past litigation and a court-assembled panel that determined adequacy and equity, arguing the state already has a complex funding and equalization system and that the STARS Act and the upcoming decennial study are better avenues for reform.
The committee took a roll-call vote on concurrence; the clerk recorded a final tally of 2 in favor and 13 opposed. Following that vote, a member moved to table the bill and the committee agreed by voice vote.
What happens next: Chair Rexton announced SB215 is tabled. The matter could be revisited later, but the committee left the bill without concurrence and did not send it to the House floor at this time.
