BISMARCK - A House bill that would have reimbursed teachers up to $200 a year for out-of-pocket expenses, such as classroom supplies, failed on Thursday, Jan. 24.
Rep. Matthew Ruby, R-Minot, introduced House Bill 1208 to help offset costs teachers incur for various classroom-related expenses. The bill received opposition from education groups that said the bill wouldn't provide enough money for all teachers in the state.
The House Education Committee voted 12-2 to give the bill a "do not pass" recommendation.
"As well-intentioned as House Bill 1208 is, this is a local decision that is and should be made at the local school district," Rep. Denton Zubke, R-Watford City, said on the House floor on Thursday.
Most schools have policy or procedure to reimburse teachers, he added.
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The bill would have appropriated $500,000, but Zubke said the committee estimated the program could cost as much as $5 million per biennium.
The bill failed by a 20-72 margin with no discussion.
