By Bob Katzen

(H 634) – Would establish an 11-member task force to review all existing state mandates placed on public schools. In addition to determining the cost of these unfunded mandates for budgeting purposes, the task force would also develop recommendations to streamline, consolidate or eliminate any mandates and reporting requirements that are outdated, duplicative or unnecessary.

Sponsor Rep. Brad Jones said that the bill addresses one of the biggest concerns voiced by school officials not only in his district, but across the state. “The state cannot continue to impose new mandates on our cities and towns without providing them with the financial resources to help fulfill those requirements,” said Jones. “I am extremely frustrated [the bill] did not advance out of committee, but I plan to make a renewed push for its passage next year so we can begin the process of providing meaningful relief for our cities and towns.”