Raised Bill No. 6922 seeks to reform the application process for grants related to school building projects, as recommended by the Department of Administrative Services. The bill allows towns and regional school districts to apply for and accept grants, with the superintendent of schools managing the application process. A significant change is the removal of the requirement for superintendents to affirm the consideration of natural light, wireless connectivity, and school safety infrastructure in their applications. The bill also modifies the information required in grant applications, focusing on enrollment projections, project readiness, and addressing school district needs, while streamlining the review process and emphasizing compliance with educational specifications and state obligations regarding racial and economic isolation.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments to existing laws, including stipulations that projects not previously authorized as interdistrict magnet schools will not receive higher reimbursement percentages than originally determined. It allows the Commissioner of Administrative Services to enter into grant commitments contingent upon legislative authorization and establishes eligibility for regional school districts completing public school building projects. The bill expands the types of projects eligible for grants, including those addressing safety, health, and air quality issues, while introducing new compliance requirements for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning inspections. It also authorizes the State Treasurer to issue bonds for funding these grants and includes a repealer section to remove outdated provisions. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reflecting an urgency in implementing these changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-287d
ED Joint Favorable: 10-287d
File No. 311: 10-287d
FIN Joint Favorable: 10-287d