Substitute House Bill No. 6866 seeks to implement the Governor's budget recommendations for education in Connecticut, introducing significant changes to existing laws. 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, with the Department of Education prioritizing districts with high absenteeism rates. Additionally, the bill creates a fee-waiver grant program for high-need high school students to access 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 educators, allowing them and their dependents to participate in health plans maintained by their last employing board or the state, regardless of their benefits status at retirement. It introduces a monthly subsidy of $220 for eligible members participating in health insurance plans, with a tiered approach to the state's financial contribution. The bill also makes permanent the requirement to proportionately reduce school transportation grants when not fully funded, and it transfers oversight of the Office of Early Childhood from the Department of Education to the Commissioner of Early Childhood. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational support and health insurance benefits for retired educators while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

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