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Committee adopts amendment and sends HB 28 (charter startups) to the floor 11–4
Summary
Committee added an amendment to HB 28 ensuring newly formed Route 2 public charter school districts can receive initial per‑A and B entitlements and certain payments based on estimated first‑year attendance, with a clawback provision; the amended bill passed on a roll‑call vote, 11‑4.
House Bill 28, brought on behalf of the Board of Public Education, was considered during executive action. Staff said the bill would streamline the public charter school approval process and clarify funding mechanics. Representative Vertolio moved amendment HB0028.001.001 to address "Route 2" charter districts — those that would be created as a new independent public charter school district rather than a school run through a local board.
Ms. Kite (committee staff) explained the amendment would make those brand‑new charter districts eligible for per‑A and B entitlements, Indian Education for All payments, Data for Achievement, and Special Education Allowable Cost payments in their first year using estimated A and B counts submitted with an application; the state could claw back overpayments if attendance proved lower than the estimate.
Board of Public Education Executive Director McCall Flynn said the board reviewed and supported the amendment, noting there are currently no Route 2 charter districts and that the change prevents a startup district from opening without any first‑year funding. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and then took a roll‑call vote on HB 28 as amended. The clerk recorded votes as follows: Portillo Aye; Nicola Kakos Aye; Estesman Aye; Eisley Aye; Lynch Aye; Deming No; Seakins Crowe No; Elvrom Aye; Thane Aye; Strand Aye; Tillman Aye; Overstreet No; Romano Aye; Greg No; Rexton Aye. The chair announced the tally 11 Aye, 4 Nay; the bill will move to the floor.
