Senate Substitute Bill No. 153 (sSB153 File No. 548) is a legislative proposal that seeks to amend the statutes governing the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS). The bill introduces changes to the evaluation of trade programs, requiring the board to assess each program every five years with input from "program advisory" committees, which replace the former "craft" committees. It also includes a requirement for the board's report to summarize admissions policies, faculty issues, public awareness, and the role of advisory committees. The bill provides for indemnification by the executive director for donors of tangible property used for instructional purposes, except in cases of intentional misconduct or undisclosed defects. It establishes a state-wide system for technical education and career schools, modifies the age requirement for postsecondary program enrollment, and addresses the identification and education of children requiring special education, including transition services and planning for students moving to technical education and career schools. The fiscal impact statement indicates no financial impact on the state or municipalities.

The bill emphasizes the provision of transition services by CTECS for students with special education needs, ensuring a smooth transition to post-school activities. It assigns the responsibility of organizing planning and placement team meetings for home-schooled special education students to CTECS. The bill also makes it mandatory for CTECS to offer part-time, evening, and extracurricular vocational programs, and adjusts the age requirement for postsecondary program admission to those who have completed the school year in which they turn 22. Additionally, it updates legal references to reflect CTECS's status as an independent state agency and removes outdated references to the State Department of Education. Most provisions are effective upon passage, with specific changes related to transition services, SDE reference, and technical adjustments taking effect on July 1, 2024. The bill has been endorsed by the Education Committee and the Appropriations Committee.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-95j, 10-96c, 10-66p, 10-95, 10-95p, 10-76q
ED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-95j, 10-96c, 10-66p, 10-95, 10-95p, 10-76q
APP Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-95j, 10-96c, 10-95, 10-95p, 10-76q
File No. 548: 10-95j, 10-96c, 10-95, 10-95p, 10-76q