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Senate advances pilot for private alternative schools after extended debate
Summary
Senate Bill 22, a pilot program to enable the state to partner with private alternative residential programs for at‑risk youth, was advanced to third reading after extended floor debate over funding, program scope, religious content and eligibility. Sponsor proposed $50,000; an amendment to raise it to $500,000 failed.
Senate Bill 22, introduced by Senator Stevenson, returned to the Senate floor for second reading on Jan. 29, 1996. The bill would authorize a pilot program allowing the State Board of Education to select private alternative schools (including residential 24‑hour programs) to serve certain at‑risk youth and to provide a limited education funding offset for participating students.
Sponsor’s case and scope: Stevenson said the bill is modeled on successful private intervention programs used by juvenile courts and that the pilot would allow the state to evaluate whether private alternatives could help youth who might be harmed by placement in secure detention. The bill as presented included $50,000 in one‑time pilot funding and language emphasizing that participation must be voluntary and require a recommendation from a school official, juvenile court, or the Department of Human Services.
Funding debate and amendments: Floor debate focused on whether $50,000 was an adequate test. Senator Steele and others argued that the typical cost of a residential placement is about $20,000 per student and that $50,000 would meaningfully support only a handful of placements; Steele moved to increase the appropriation to $500,000, arguing it would permit a meaningful pilot. That motion failed on a voice vote. Senators in favor of the smaller pilot said the $50,000 plus the weighted pupil unit (WPU) education component would allow roughly 30 students to participate in the first year and that a modest pilot can test program mechanics before larger commitments.
Eligibility, oversight and parental concerns: Senators discussed mechanism to ensure funds are used for education (intent language was added to direct that funding be awarded to parents or guardians as a tuition offset), the role of state board rulemaking to set eligibility criteria, and concerns about fee waivers and parental misuse of funds. Sponsor Stevenson emphasized the bill requires recommendation by a designated school official, a juvenile court judge or a Department of Human Services representative before a placement would qualify for the pilot.
Vote and outcome: After extended debate and several motions (including a motion to circle and a defeated funding amendment), the Senate voted to advance SB 22 to the third reading calendar with 17 aye votes, 7 nay votes and 5 absences.
Next steps: The bill was placed at the bottom of the third reading calendar for future floor action and would be subject to appropriations if funding is required beyond the pilot intent language.
