Committee narrows school‑building transfer rules after concerns about athletic fields and community use

Jan 22, 2026

The Senate committee approved an amendment that narrows a proposed law allowing underutilized public school buildings to be leased or sold to charter schools. Members pressed sponsors to clarify whether 'adjacent' property and fixtures — including athletic fields — should transfer with buildings; the amendment passed 9–4 and the amended bill passed committee 9–4.

The full story

Senate Bill 239, which sets rules for transferring underutilized school buildings to charter schools or state education institutions, drew extended debate on the Senate Appropriations Committee over what property transfers should include and how much time districts should have to respond.

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