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Sponsors ask to reinstate Joint Education Oversight Committee to centralize K‑12 policy research
Summary
House Bill 164 would reinstate the Joint Education Oversight Committee (JEOC/JHOC) to provide bipartisan, research‑driven study of emerging K‑12 policy issues, with proposed operating appropriations and per‑diem costs; sponsors cited past success on issues like state report cards and early‑grade retention.
Representatives Miller and Rev. Robinson testified in favor of House Bill 164 to reinstate the Joint Education Oversight Committee (JEOC), a bicameral panel established in a prior General Assembly to perform research and provide nonpartisan, in‑depth analysis on K‑12 education policy.
Miller said JEOC would consist of legislators from both chambers and be authorized to draft a plan of work for research, review and study of emerging education issues; the bill includes line items to cover operating costs and per‑diem travel expenses. Sponsors pointed to past JEOC work on state report cards, state testing and other policy topics as evidence of value.
Committee members asked for examples of topics the committee could study (vouchers, school lunches, bus driver shortages, teacher recruitment and retention). Sponsors said JEOC would create a public forum to gather data, bring outside experts and help craft legislative vehicles for complex issues.
The committee concluded the first hearing without taking a vote.
