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Senate adopts conference committee changes to school land trust cap, raising cap to roughly $44 million
Summary
On Feb. 24 the Senate adopted a conference committee report for House Bill 43, raising the school land trust cap from 1.5% to 2% (an increase described on the floor as roughly $33 million to $44 million); adoption passed 22–5 with two absent.
The Senate on Feb. 24 adopted a conference committee report for House Bill 43, which makes funding amendments to the School Land Trust Program. Senator Hatch summarized the committee’s change: raising the trust land cap from 1.5 percent to 2 percent, which he said increases the cap from roughly $33 million to about $44 million.
Senator Hickman spoke in opposition on the floor, arguing the conference agreement bypasses local elected school boards and shifts control of millions of dollars to local unelected committees, and that the change was a mistake.
After brief debate, the Senate adopted the conference committee report by roll call; the clerk recorded 22 yes votes, 5 no votes and 2 absences. The bill, as reconciled in conference, will now be returned to the House for its further action.
Opponents on the floor said the change weakens school board control over distribution; proponents said the higher cap expands available funding for the School Land Trust Program.
