Kansas House Bill HCR5010

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Amending section 6 of article 6 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to prohibit public funds from being used for private nonpublic schools.

Impact

The passage of HCR5010 would ensure that public funds are exclusively directed toward public education systems, reinforcing the principles of separation between public and private educational funding in Kansas. This change would amend existing constitutional provisions to prevent any public moneys from being allocated in a manner that could support private educational institutions, potentially impacting various funding programs that may have previously benefitted private entities.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 5010 (HCR5010) proposes an amendment to section 6 of article 6 of the Kansas Constitution, explicitly prohibiting the use of public funds for private nonpublic educational institutions. The resolution seeks to protect the allocation of public money for public schools and prevent state funding from being diverted to private educational entities. If approved, the amendment will be presented to the state's voters for a decision during the November 2024 general election, unless a special election is called sooner.

Contention

Discussion around the bill is likely to provoke debate regarding the role of public funding in education and the autonomy of private schools. Proponents argue that the amendment is necessary to maintain the integrity of public education and ensure that all students have equal access to public resources without competition from privately funded institutions. Conversely, opponents may contend that such a prohibition could limit educational choices for families, particularly those who rely on private schooling for reasons of belief or specialized educational needs. As this amendment introduces significant implications for educational funding, it may face scrutiny from various educational and policy stakeholders across the state.