The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 1 aims to enhance early childhood education and support for priority school districts in Connecticut through the establishment of the Universal Preschool Trust and various educational reforms. The Universal Preschool Trust will be an independent entity funded by state surpluses and other sources, designed to support early care and education programs. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for boards of education, specifies expenses covered by the trust, and establishes a governing board to oversee its administration. Additionally, it introduces a Tri-Share Child Care Matching Program to distribute child care costs among employers, employees, and the trust, expanding access to child care resources statewide.

The bill also implements significant changes to educational funding and accountability measures, including the replacement of "alliance districts" with "priority school districts" to broaden eligibility for grants and support. It mandates detailed financial reporting from local boards of education, enhances transparency in educational spending, and introduces new requirements for addressing chronic absenteeism and supporting at-risk students. Furthermore, the legislation establishes truancy clinics to address attendance issues through nonpunitive measures and modifies loan subsidy programs for educators in priority districts. Overall, the bill seeks to improve educational outcomes, infrastructure, and support systems for students and families across Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 3-13c, 10-505b, 10-227, 10-198d, 10-222, 10-248a, 10-222o, 8-265pp, 10-4q, 10-14u, 10-14y, 10-262h, 10-265h, 10-265o, 10-265p, 10-265q, 12-635
ED Joint Favorable: 3-13c, 10-505b, 10-227, 10-198d, 10-222, 10-248a, 10-222o, 8-265pp, 10-4q, 10-14u, 10-14y, 10-262h, 10-265h, 10-265o, 10-265p, 10-265q, 12-635
File No. 637: 3-13c, 10-505b, 10-227, 10-198d, 10-222, 10-248a, 10-222o, 8-265pp, 10-4q, 10-14u, 10-14y, 10-262h, 10-265h, 10-265o, 10-265p, 10-265q, 12-635
JUD Joint Favorable: 3-13c, 10-505b, 10-227, 10-198d, 10-222, 10-248a, 10-222o, 8-265pp, 10-4q, 10-14u, 10-14y, 10-262h, 10-265h, 10-265o, 10-265p, 10-265q, 12-635
APP Joint Favorable: 3-13c, 10-505b, 10-227, 10-198d, 10-222, 10-248a, 10-222o, 8-265pp, 10-4q, 10-14u, 10-14y, 10-262h, 10-265h, 10-265o, 10-265p, 10-265q, 12-635