Chairman Erickson opened the hearing on HB 2487. 

Tamera Lawrence, Assistant Revisor, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, gave an overview of the bill. (Attachment 3)

Proponent:

Elaine Frisbie, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Kansas Board of Regents, explained the Kansas Education Opportunity Scholarship Program Act which is administered by the Board of Regents on behalf of the Legislature. Eligibility is limited to Kansas resident students who have financial need, are admitted to a public post-secondary institution or a private non-profit institution and who is either (1) first generation students or (2) has a parent who is employed in Kansas as a teacher or paraprofessional for any of grades pre-K through 12.

There have been complications of the Act's language concerned non-classroom staff who hold teaching licenses, and non-instructional classroom staff. Examples are detailed in testimony. As Board staff does not wish to substitute their judgement for that of the Legislature in setting the policy as to who is an eligible scholarship recipient, it is requested the amendments listed here in be considered by the committee. (Attachment 4)

Matt Lindsey, President, Kansas Independent College Association, stated that students benefit from the Education Opportunity Scholarship and it is viewed as a valuable component of the state's package of student financial aid programs. It is also agreed that additional clarity to the definitions of teachers and paraprofessionals would improve the efficacy and efficiency of the program. (Attachment 5)

Proponent Written:

Timothy R. Graham, Director of Government Relations and Legislative Affairs, Kansas National Education Association (Attachment 6)

Discussion followed.

Chairman Erickson closed the hearing on HB 2487.