Bill > SB749

This bill establishes a pilot program for participatory budgeting in Oregon schools, which means giving students direct power to make decisions about spending a portion of their school district's budget. The Department of Education will administer the program by awarding grants to public schools to recruit and train students and maximize shared decision-making among students, teachers, and administrators. The State Board of Education will set grant application requirements and consult with a nonprofit experienced in participatory budgeting. Schools can apply for grants starting no later than October 1, 2025, with the program requiring two reports to legislative committees: a progress report by September 15, 2026, and a final report by September 15, 2028, summarizing the program's outcomes. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to support the pilot program and includes a sunset provision that will end the program on January 2, 2029. An emergency clause is included, meaning the bill takes effect immediately upon passage, reflecting its perceived importance for public education.

Education

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB749