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Bill

SF 82

Omnibus water bill-planning.

2025 Regular Session

SF 82 requires a district-wide election for bonds of $5M+ with a 60% approval threshold; adds notice rules for SAVE fund anticipation bonds, boosting voter participation.

Assigned Chapter Number 56
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Bill Summary · SF 82

Summary of SF 82 (Senate File 82)

SF 82 would require an election for school district bonds above a certain amount and set a supermajority voting threshold, with a specific provision for bonds issued in anticipation of revenues from the SAVE fund. The bill was introduced on January 22, 2025, and, as of the latest actions, a subcommittee recommended passage.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to increase voter participation and oversight in school district debt financing by mandating voter consideration of bonds at or above a $5 million principal amount.
  • It introduces a 60% supermajority requirement for approval of such bonds and expands the circumstances under which an election must be held, compared to current practice.
  • It also clarifies notice requirements for bonds issued in anticipation of SAVE fund revenues.

Key provisions

  • Mandatory election for large bonds: If a school district intends to issue a bond in the amount of $5 million or more, the bond must be submitted to the voters of the school district prior to issuance. This creates a higher trigger for voter consideration than some existing processes.
  • Election trigger under current law vs. new standard: Under current law, bonds typically go to an election only if there is a petition requesting that the question be submitted to voters. SF 82 changes this by requiring a district-wide vote for bonds at or above the $5 million threshold, even in the absence of a petition.
  • 60% approval threshold: All bonds submitted to voters under SF 82 would require the support of at least 60% of those voting on the question. This raises the bar for bond approval compared to a simple majority.
  • SAVE fund anticipation bonds: For bonds issued in anticipation of revenues from the SAVE fund, the election process is subject to the notice requirements of Code section 39.5. This ties the process to the specified notice standards for such revenueanticipation bonds.

Affected entities and stakeholders

  • School districts: Primary entities issuing bonds would be subject to the new mandatory election and 60% approval rule for bonds at or above $5 million.
  • Voters in school districts: Eligible voters would decide on bond issues meeting the threshold, under the 60% rule.
  • Public officials and election officials: Responsible for conducting the required elections and ensuring compliance with notice requirements.
  • SAVE fund revenue anticipation bonds: These bonds would follow the specified notice requirements, linking the financing to the SAVE fund framework.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
  • Subcommittee actions:
    • Meeting held: January 31, 2025
    • Additional action: Subcommittee scheduled/held a meeting on February 4, 2025 (Room 217 Conference Room)
    • Vote outcome: Subcommittee recommended passage on or around February 4, 2025
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor SALMON
  • Committee actions: Referred to Education upon introduction; subcommittee in committee of the whole process moving toward floor consideration.

Potential impact and implications

  • Increased voter involvement and a higher hurdle for passage of large school district bonds could slow or alter district financing plans.
  • Districts may need to plan for public participation, outreach, and campaign-like efforts to secure the 60% approval threshold.
  • The specificity for SAVE fund revenue anticipation bonds ensures shared reliance on established notice standards, potentially impacting timing and disclosure for those particular issuances.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include a side-by-side comparison with current law or add a glossary of terms (e.g., SAVE fund, revenue anticipation bonds) for lay readers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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