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Minutes for HB2658 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Authorizing school districts to require a student to attend virtual school when such student is returning to school after having been expelled.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 13, 2024
The chair opened the hearing on HB2658.
Jason Long gave a brief overview of the bill. (Attachment1)
Jim Karleskint testified that he agreed with what the bill does and the requirement that the student gets an education. (Attachment2)
The chair invited anyone in the audience to speak to the bill.
Josh Swartz stated his proponent view that there was an amount of fear among the students and teachers after a student returns to the school after an incident.
They stood for questions.
Leah Fliter was neutral on the bill. She stated that a self motivated student does better in a virtual school and she also suggested that there should be two separate hearings for students. (Attachment3)
She stood for questions.
The hearing on HB2658 was closed by Chairperson Thomas.
The chair opened the hearing on HB2539.
Jason Long provided a briefing of the hearing. (Attachment4)
Jessica Lucas spoke in support of the bill because the changes open up scholarships to out of state applicants and changing the residence requirements is a big tool for Cowley College. (Attachment5)
Jason Watkins gave proponent testimony and stated that a lot of people who ask about the Promise Act haven't lived in Kansas for three years and the workforce needs the bill. There are many people who have graduated from a high school or have their GED but don't have a skill set that could benefit from this program. (Attachment6)
Elaine Frisbie was neutral on the bill and stated that the program is complicated for the Board of Regents to administer. (Attachment7)
Chairperson Thomas closed the hearing on HB2539.
Final action on HB2613
Jason Long explained the amendment to the D.A.R.E. bill.
Representative Younger offered an amendment to the bill. He explained that the funding source should come from the Kansas Fights Addiction Program.
Representative Younger moved the amendment and Representative Haskins seconded. Discussion followed. Representation Younger closed on the motion and a vote followed. Roll call was called.
Vote was 9 - 7 and Representatives Younger, Stogsdill, Featherston, L. Ruiz and Miller requested that their "yea" vote be recorded.
Representative Younger moved a different amendment with Representative Stogsdill second that would transfer funds from the state general fund for this project. Following discussion Representative Younger closed his motion. Vote was taken and the motion failed 9-7. Representative Stogsdill requested that his"yea" vote be recorded as did Representatives Younger, Haskins, Featherston, L. Ruiz, and Miller.
The chair entertained a motion to pass the bill out of committee. Representative Estes so moved and Representative Rhiley seconded. The bill was passed out of committee.
Chairperson Thomas adjourned the meeting at 2:40 pm.
