Rules Committee advances bill to require bond communications to disclose instructional spending

House Bill 3711, introduced in committee by Senator Seifried on behalf of Representative Pew, cleared the Senate Rules Committee after members voted 13 ayes to 5 nays to pass the measure to the next stage.

The bill would require school districts’ bond communications to include clearer information for taxpayers about instructional expenditures related to bond‑funded projects. “We are trying to bring some awareness for taxpayers on instructional expenses, as it relates to bonds,” Senator Seifried said in her presentation.

Senator Hicks pressed the sponsor on whether the bill changes the state’s bonding authority for school districts. Seifried responded that it does not: “So we're not changing the bond process at all. We're just including some additional communications,” she said, adding that the language related to bonds appears on page 5 of the bill.

The committee struck the bill’s title by unanimous consent earlier in the hearing. Senator Seifried asked the committee for a yes vote to continue work on the measure; the clerk recorded 13 ayes and 5 nays on the motion to pass.

The measure was moved by Senator Seifert and seconded by Senator Hall during the roll call. With committee approval, the bill will move forward in the legislative process for further consideration.

What happens next: HB 3711 leaves the Rules Committee as passed and will proceed toward floor consideration or additional committee referrals, depending on chamber rules.