Substitute Bill No. 7216 proposes significant reforms to the Technical Education and Career System (TECS) by establishing an executive director appointed by the Governor, who will oversee the system's operations and financial accountability. The bill replaces the term "private career schools" with "a nonprofit training institute in the state that provides training in the building trades to underserved populations," highlighting a commitment to serving disadvantaged groups. Additionally, it modifies definitions and eligibility criteria for financial aid related to adult education programs, expanding "eligible institutional costs" to include those incurred at TECS and updating the criteria for "qualifying students" to encompass those enrolled in technical education and career schools.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a debt-free education program that provides financial awards, known as the "Mary Ann Handley Award," to qualifying students at regional community-technical colleges and adult education programs within TECS. The Board of Regents for Higher Education will implement this program and is required to report on student enrollment, award distribution, and completion rates, with the first report due by November 1, 2025. The bill also mandates that the superintendent of TECS provide information on qualifying students starting in the fall semester of 2025. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes various amendments to existing laws to reflect these changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-95r
ED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-95r