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Sponsors seek to reinstate Joint Education Oversight Committee with funding request
Summary
House Bill 164 would reinstate a bipartisan, bicameral Joint Education Oversight Committee (JIOC/JHOC) to produce research and analysis on K–12 issues; sponsors requested operating appropriations (~$376k FY2026, ~$378k FY2027) and illustrated potential study topics such as vouchers, busing and teacher recruitment.
Representatives Joe Miller and Rev. Robinson testified in favor of House Bill 164, which would reinstate the Joint Education Oversight Committee (JIOC/JHOC), a bipartisan, bicameral body intended to provide research, hearings and nonpartisan analysis on emerging K–12 education policy.
Sponsors said the previous iteration of the oversight committee produced research on state report cards, state testing and early‑childhood policies, and that reinstating the body would give lawmakers a public forum to dig into complex issues outside the time constraints of regular committee hearings. The bill would require a plan of work and authorize the committee to request data from state agencies and political subdivisions.
Funding request: Sponsors identified appropriations to cover operating costs, including $376,000 (FY2026) and $378,000 (FY2027) plus per diems and travel expenses, and explained the committee’s planned composition (five House members, five senators with majority/minority balance) and appointment rules.
Committee members asked for examples of appropriate study topics; sponsors suggested vouchers, school‑lunch policy, teacher retention, bus‑driver shortages and other systemwide issues that benefit from extended research and bipartisan review. Sponsors argued JIOC provides public, research‑driven analysis that can inform bill drafting in both chambers.
No vote was taken; sponsors said they welcome committee feedback and argued the committee would be cost‑effective given its research remit.
