Substitute Senate Bill No. 138 proposes significant amendments to existing education laws in Connecticut, particularly concerning charter schools and educational services. The bill repeals certain subsections of section 10-66bb, allowing not-for-profit organizations, public or independent institutions of higher education, and educational boards to apply for charter school approval. It introduces a new requirement that the Commissioner of Education align the timing for granting initial charter approvals with the state budget preparation, starting July 1, 2027, and eliminates the annual review requirement for charter applications. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for charter schools to serve specific student populations and address issues of racial, ethnic, and economic isolation. It also clarifies funding responsibilities for students with Section 504 plans, shifting the financial burden from sending school districts to interdistrict magnet schools.

Moreover, the bill modifies the transportation grant process for regional educational service centers, ensuring grants are based on actual transportation costs rather than estimates. It mandates the development of a uniform regional school calendar by regional educational service centers, which must be submitted for approval by the State Board of Education. The bill also updates the surrogate parent program for foster children, allowing the Commissioner of Education to appoint a surrogate parent with the biological parent's consent. Reporting requirements are streamlined, with the removal of certain obligations and the introduction of new evaluations regarding the impact of the commissioner’s network on student achievement. Most provisions take effect upon passage, while specific changes related to charter schools and transportation grants will be implemented on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-15c, 10-66q, 10-94l, 10-156bb, 10-156cc, 10-156ee, 10-156ff, 10-156jj, 10-156ii
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-66q, 10-94l, 10-226h, 10-262p, 10-146h
File No. 493: 10-66q, 10-94l, 10-226h, 10-262p, 10-146h