On February 3, 2009, the House Appropriations Committee heard testimony of House Bill 2095 which would allow school districts to levy a property tax of up to two mills for the next two years to pay for insurance and utility costs, or to pay for municipal bonds issued by cities. The bill amends the previous law by doubling the amount that can be taxed and allowing for payment not just of municipal bonds but for insurance and utility costs.
Opponents of the bill argue it is unequally advantageous to more wealthy districts and that attempts have been made in the past for similar changes with little success. They also pointed out that this change has been attempted, unsuccessfully, a number of times in the two education committees in the past.
Proponents of the bill support the intention of the proposed changes but did also admit a need for improvements.