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Committee debates raising HB15 inflation factors, pauses amendment; passes HB67 and HB24
Summary
The committee considered an amendment to House Bill 15 that would raise the inflation adjustment for school funding components to 5.67% (FY26) and 4.83% (FY27), sparking debate about statutory caps, fiscal notes and appropriations authority; action on HB15 was postponed while HB67 and HB24 were passed to the House floor.
Legislative staff presented an amendment to House Bill 15 that replaces prior 3% inflation adjustments with figures derived from the statutory inflation formula: 5.67% for fiscal year 2026 and 4.83% for fiscal year 2027. The adjustment would apply to key funding components, including the basic entitlement (per A/B), Data for Achievement, Indian Education for All, the Quality Educator Payment, and the Special Education Allocation.
Representative Romano sponsored the amendment and framed it as a correction to underfunding, urging the committee to increase investment in public schools. Several members raised procedural and fiscal concerns: staff noted the statutory budgeting process instructs the superintendent to present a base budget that not to exceed a 3% inflationary cap (20‑9‑326 was cited), but the legislature retains appropriation authority and can set higher amounts. Committee members asked whether an amended fiscal note would be produced and whether caucusing before action was appropriate.
After extended debate about legal effect, fiscal exposure and timing, members agreed to recess and caucus. Vice Chair Romano withdrew his motion temporarily to allow time for fiscal staff to prepare figures and to permit further member consultation; the committee postponed action on HB15 until Friday to allow the fiscal note and revised amendment to be finalized.
While HB15 was delayed, the committee took up two other items. House Bill 67 (Teachers' Retirement System technical and administrative revisions) was moved by Vice Chair Greg and passed out of committee on a voice vote. The committee also moved and passed House Bill 24 (clarifying kindergarten and certain enrollment definitions) to the House floor by voice vote. The committee discussed scheduling for Friday’s agenda and then adjourned.
