Panel adopts changes to multiyear contract rules and extends science-of-reading training requirements

The Senate Finance Committee adopted amendments to a committee substitute for House Bill 5412 that narrow when local fiscal bodies may enter multiyear contracts and expand statewide literacy training and digital-literacy efforts.

Counsel explained the substitute would generally prevent local fiscal bodies from obligating funds beyond one year, with an exception permitting multiyear technology licensing or service agreements (up to five years) if the body documents material fiscal savings. The bill would also expand the Mountain State Digital Literacy Project to more grade levels and require the state board to evaluate and report the project's impact to the governor.

On literacy training, the substitute requires kindergarten through fifth-grade classroom teachers providing literacy instruction to receive intensive professional learning in the science of reading. Senators discussed timing and implementation feasibility; Senator Mason proposed moving compliance dates to allow additional time for enrollment and completion, and proposed clarifying language to change references from "endorsement" to "training." Senator Mason also offered and secured an amendment to require public charter school teachers to participate in the training rather than make participation optional. The committee adopted the amendment package and voted to report the bill as amended to the full Senate.

The transcript shows verbal ayes and noes; no roll-call tally with member names appears in the record.