PIERRE - The Joint Appropriations Committee has scheduled its first meeting of the legislative interim today in Pierre, and the issue of laptop computer funding is scheduled to be considered.

Some lawmakers want Gov. Mike Rounds to explain how he found money for a program to provide more high school students with laptops. Lawmakers rejected a $2.9 million measure earlier this year to pay for the expansion.

The Appropriations Committee added the issue to its agenda and plans to ask Education Department officials to answer questions about it.

Various agency reports on a number of topics also will be considered.