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Committee approves Senate Bill 491 with Waters amendment to allow some Education Freedom Account use for CTE
Summary
The Education Finance Committee approved Senate Bill 491 as amended to permit some Education Freedom Account funds to pay for career and technical education. Opponents warned of 'double dipping' in school budgets; Senator Waters' amendment was adopted before the final passage.
The Education Finance Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 491 as amended, a measure that would permit students to use Education Freedom Account funds for certain career and technical education costs.
Senator Ochsler moved to refer the bill to interim study (ITL), arguing school districts raised concerns during local meetings. "It does allow for a certain amount of double dipping," a member of the committee said during debate, describing a key objection raised by attendees.
Supporters said an amendment offered by Senator Waters addressed statutory conflicts identified by the Department of Education and refined the bill's language. The committee adopted the Waters amendment and then voted to pass the bill as amended; the chair recorded one member opposed.
The committee recorded both the motion to table and the subsequent motion to pass; members debated statutory conflicts, budget impacts and local school feedback before adopting the amendment and advancing the bill. The item will move forward to the next committee or floor consideration per regular legislative process.
