This week the legislature brought to a close the negotiations regarding HB 1 (state budget).  Monies remained in the budget for vouchers, RSD insurance, and Early Childhood Programs for the nonpublic schools.   This year was an exception to the rule, because the appropriations bill did not go to a conference committee.  The House concurred in the amendments added by the Senate.  LSBA continued the fight against vouchers and funding for the nonpublic schools to the very end of the budget negotiations. 

Other Bills lobbied heavily by LSBA this week are as follows.

Senate Bill 46 Senator Long - The Department sponsored Virtual Schools Program.  The bill died in the House.

Senate Bill 67 Senator Broome - Student discipline statutory changes involving K-5 students.  At the last stages of the legislative process on the House floor this bill was amended to add the provisions from House Bill 559 by Representative Rosalind Jones.  House Bill 559 was the bill involving posting information on local school board websites regarding student policies, procedures and minutes of school meetings.  The bill passed and was sent to the Governor.

Senate Bill 111 Senator Nevers - Relative to an annual report by the State Superintendent to the legislature.  Provisions were amended into this bill in conference committee to add financial disclosure information for the Superintendent for RSD.

House Bill 454 Representative Harrison - Extended sick leave for teachers.  The bill would make permissive the granting of extended sick leave in years where the systems did not receive the 2.75% growth factor in the MFP.  The bill finally passed with an amendment concerning a 7% unrestricted fund balance provision.

House Bill 151 Representative Hoffman - Relative to reemployment of retired teachers.  This bill affects teachers retiring between May 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.  This bill prevents reduction in benefits for these retired teachers who return to work in positions that require a teaching or ancillary certificate.