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Lawmakers who voted against the Senate measure previously have said they remain concerned with how often some schools have operated remotely during the pandemic, instead of in-person.
FILE PHOTO: WTIU/WFIULawmakers in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly have approved legislation to provide full funding for schools operating virtually during the pandemic after the Senate approved its version of the bill Tuesday.
The House approved its version of the bill last week, but only one will become law.
They both ensure full funding for schools using remote learning because of COVID-19, circumventing a 2019 law limiting funding for students learning virtually.
Under the Senate version, schools would have to file a detailed report on how they used virtual instruction, and its impact on their finances. That report would also include how many kids participated in each grade level, and how often.
READ MORE: How Do I Follow Indiana's Legislative Session? Here's Your Guide To Demystify The Process
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The bill also requires the Indiana Department of Education to collect data on learning loss, and provide a report to the state board, governor and legislature before the end of the year.
The Senate bill passed with half a dozen Republicans voting against it. The House measure passed with just two representatives voting no.
Contact reporter Jeanie at jlindsa@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @jeanjeanielindz.
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