House Bill 5416 (sHB5416 File No. 591) proposes revisions to education statutes, effective mostly from July 1, 2024. It ensures that teachers employed at Goodwin University Magnet Schools, Inc. or Goodwin University Educational Services, Inc. maintain their continuous employment status for determining rights and benefits. The bill requires the development of an annual training program for emergency first aid, including the administration of epinephrine, without prior written authorization in cases of allergic reactions. It prohibits school boards from mandating parental participation for student enrollment and encourages partnerships between regional community-technical colleges and public high schools. The bill also addresses the administration of epinephrine by child care providers, notification requirements for parents when students are restrained or secluded, and the process for behavior intervention meetings.

The bill has fiscal implications, potentially incurring costs to local and regional school districts and the Board of Regents from FY 25, depending on the partnerships established. It also includes technical changes with no fiscal impact, such as those regarding Goodwin University magnet school teachers and adjustments to first aid training. The bill expands the authority for certain child care providers to administer epinephrine in emergencies and mandates the SDE to provide annual ECS grant estimates to towns. It requires immediate parental notification for incidents involving restraint, seclusion, or significant behavioral disruptions, and outlines new requirements for behavior intervention meetings. The bill has been favorably received by the Education Committee and the Appropriations Committee and is related to sHB 5212 concerning ECS grant estimates.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-231, 10-212g
ED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-212g, 10-236c
APP Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-212g, 10-236c
File No. 591: 10-212g, 10-236c