Nance: Education Bills Passed, Latest From The District

“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” –Ronald Reagan

At the Capitol:

HCS#2 HB 1543 relating to Elementary and Secondary education was debated this week.

This substitute changes the laws regarding elementary and secondary education, school employee liability, safety practices, and reporting acts of violence. In its main provisions, the substitute:

• Specifies that a suspended student who is not allowed on school property without specific permission is also prohibited from attending school events occurring off school property. It also expands employee immunity when following established discipline policies to include policies of student discipline.
• Defines "cyber-bullying" as it relates to a school district's anti-bullying policies to include the use of computers, the Internet, and phones to bully a student.
• Allows all public school districts to require a school uniform or restrict student dress.
• Requires all public schools to observe Veterans Day with appropriate activities.

Amendments that were added included Professional Development which would not be required of districts over the next two years and the schools could use the funding as they choose ($30 million a year). Normally a school must put 75% of their funding in the Teacher’s Fund, but they are not required to do so the next two years.

An amendment allowing “open enrollment” was defeated by a vote of 122-34.

The House third read and passed HB 2294 by a vote of 97-53. The bill would repeal the provision that requires a political party’s emblem to be printed on an election ballot above the party caption.

HB 1893 was third read and passed by a vote of 146-8. The bill would change the laws regarding the distribution of gaming funds for early childhood education and veterans’ programs.

On Tuesday, the House Veterans Committee voted do pass on HB 2357, which would prohibit any public retirement plan of the state or a political subdivision from investing funds with foreign companies that have active ties to any country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

In the District:

The Ray County Coalition sponsored their second annual Gala at Mellon’s Banquet Hall in Lawson last Saturday.

Martha Balman and ladies with Family and Community Education gave me a doll to be shared with an agency in Ray County. The FCE work to protect our children and recently had a seminar on autism.

Martha Balman and ladies with Family and Community Education gave me a doll to be shared with an agency in Ray County. The FCE works to protect our children and recently had a seminar on autism.

Excelsior Springs students came to Jefferson City on March 18th for the State Student Council Convention.

The girls are from left to right: Tiffany Propst, Hallie Ring, Shauni Lawrence and Wendy Chuning.