SDCA Week 4 Legislative Monitor Report

Week 4 was very busy and all the bills are now in so we know what we are dealing with. There are some 510 bills filed – more than most other sessions.

THIS REPORT WILL BE RESTRUCTURED WITH THE SPECIFIC BILLS I THINK YOU GUYS SHOULD FOCUS ON SO WE MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR TIME WITH SO MANY BILLS ON OUR PLATES.

The other education bills dealing with board policies, funding of some programs, state aid formula, and other issues will be taken care of by the education lobbyists as well. This will help you when you talk to your legislators on bills of concern to counseling.

FUNDING FOR EDUCATION is still a major issue for all of us – the revenue projections came in at 10.9 % greater than anticipated so that is good news for education, providers, and state employees to maybe get an increase over the 0 proposed in the budget. The Appropriations Committee will get revenue estimates this week and begin seriously putting the 2027 Budget together. Dept of Education will appear again before the Joint Appropriations Committee on Tuesday of this week to answer some questions on programs.

SENATE BILLS

SB 41 – AJ bill to revise a provision to criminal invasions of privacy, prohibit the creation and distribution of digitally fabricated material of an identifiable individual and provide penalty – bill passed committee and passed Senate 32-0.

SB 106--Extraordinary Cost fund bill for special education and indexing to CPI--we should support this.passed committee and sent to Appropriations Committee 6-1  

SB 190--provide for the rights of a parent. 2/10 hearing in Sen Judiciary – we have seen this bill before – look at this closely for objections 

 HOUSE BILLS           

HB 1082 – Establishes parameters for the reimbursement of schools that provide free or reduced price meals – Bill was sent to House Appropriations Committee with a due pass recommendation  

HB 1098 – Amend certain provisions pertaining to special education funding – read this as it is a good bill to start the discussion to help kids who need help but do not qualify for special education. Bill was sent to House Appropriations Committee with no recommendation – Hearing on 2/17 

HB 1129 – Bill provides for carrying of a concealed pistol by certain school district employees – another gun issue – up in House Education on Monday 

HB 1187 – Make volunteer coaches mandatory child abuse reporters – Support – passed House Jud Committee with an amendment but needs to have the statute number fixed – on House floor