Substitute House Bill No. 6866 seeks to implement the Governor's budget recommendations for education in Connecticut, introducing significant changes to existing statutes. The bill repeals and substitutes language in section 10-266m concerning transportation grants, ensuring that grants are proportionately reduced if they exceed appropriated amounts. It establishes the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), which will provide grants to local and regional boards of education for home visiting programs aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism, particularly in districts with the highest rates. Additionally, the bill introduces a fee-waiver grant program to assist high-need high school students in accessing advanced courses and allocates funding for dual credit course support through the State Education Resource Center.

Moreover, the bill modifies health insurance coverage for retired teachers and their dependents, allowing them to participate in health insurance plans maintained by their last employing board of education or the state, regardless of their benefits status at retirement. It establishes a subsidy program effective July 1, 2022, providing a monthly subsidy of $220 for eligible members, with the state covering one-third of the subsidy cost. The bill also reduces the state's contribution to the Teachers' Retirement Board's health insurance costs from one-third to one-fourth for FY 26, resulting in an estimated savings of $12 million. Additionally, it makes permanent the requirement to proportionately reduce school transportation grants when not fully funded and aligns the Office of Early Childhood with current administrative practices. Most provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with specific provisions for LEAP and retired teachers' health insurance following in subsequent years.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 10-264o, 10-221w, 10-183t
ED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-221w, 10-183t
APP Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-221w, 10-183t
File No. 857: 10-221w, 10-183t