'We are boxed in here': After tense debate, 'school choice' bill passes Kentucky House

FRANKFORT — Kentucky House Democrats said they felt like they were shut out during floor debate on House Bill 2, also known as the “school choice” bill.

HB 2 would put a constitutional amendment to the voters of Kentucky, asking if they want to change the constitution to allow the legislature to fund non-public schools like private and charter schools.

Democrats wanted to bring up concerns on whether this would open the door for school vouchers if it appears on the ballot and approved by voters. House Speaker David Osborne wouldn’t allow it.

“We are boxed in here with the realities of what we’re allowed to talk about, and what we're not allowed to talk about when it comes to this ballot measure and what we’re asking the citizens of Kentucky to vote on,” Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington, said.

The tense debate over HB 2 lasted went on for two hours, but the bill ended up passing the House on a 65-32 vote Wednesday afternoon. The bill now goes to the Senate.

If the bill passes both chambers, it could be one of up to four constitutional amendments that Kentucky voters could vote on in the fall.

HB 2 is one of at least 20 constitutional amendments that the legislature has proposed to appear on the November ballot. But it’s one of the issues the majority party has said is a priority, even before the session started.

Supporters said that the bill isn't a policy decision, but an opportunity to let the legislature consider other education options for Kentucky families.

Rep. Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, is the bill's primary sponsor and said that there's no funding or enabling legislation in the bill.

If the amendment makes it on the ballot and is approved by voters, Miles said she hopes it opens more educational opportunities for Kentucky

"I would like to see every child in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to have the very best access and level playing field to seek the ability to live the American dream," Miles said.

Since the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled public tax dollars can’t be diverted to private or charter schools, Republicans are taking it into their own hands to expand school choice for families.

The school choice movement is a trend that other Republican states have followed. States including Iowa, Arkansas, Utah, and Florida have instated education savings accounts for K-12 students that give parents money they can use to put their children into an educational center other than a public school.

If the bill passes and is approved by voters, it’s likely a bill outlining the Republican majority's school choice program would follow in the 2025 legislative session.

The bill was fast-tracked this week. Its hearing was scheduled upon House adjournment on Tuesday, less than an hour before the chamber was supposed to gavel in, drawing backlash from Democrats.

Rep. Rachel Roarx, D-Louisville, said the bill is a "Pandora's box" that grants the General Assembly the authority to propose and consider a variety of legislation that Kentuckians won't anticipate if they simply vote 'yes' on the amendment

"Without knowing what those things could be, I think it's really difficult to grant confidence to (this) constitutional amendment," Roarx said.

Others expressed concern the bill would open the door to take away opportunities from public schools and fund private schools who get to choose the students they accept.

"This amendment could divert dollars away from small and rural districts where they don't even have private schools," Rep. Josie Raymond, D-Louisville, said.

Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin, said the legislature should instead focus on public schools that are in desperate need of funding for resources such as student resource officers, transportation and teacher raises

But Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, said Kentucky voters will be able to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision with their vote.

"Are we fearful that they might not agree with us, that they might agree with whatever the particular position is?" Tipton asked. "My thought today is going to be to put my faith and trust in the voters of the Commonwealth Kentucky to make this decision."

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: School choice bill passes Kentucky House after tense debate