Substitute Bill No. 5323 seeks to improve the identification and treatment of disordered eating behaviors among students in Connecticut by mandating that all school-based health centers implement an evidence-based screening tool for students in grades six to twelve during their annual health assessments starting January 1, 2028. The bill also establishes a task force to develop recommendations for early identification, awareness, and treatment of disordered eating behaviors, which must submit its findings by the same date. Additionally, a Holistic Food Education Working Group will be created to develop a state-wide food education roadmap and a model school nutrition curriculum, covering topics such as disordered eating behaviors and nutrition, with a report due by January 1, 2028.

Moreover, the bill includes provisions for the Auditors of Public Accounts to audit the financial operations of the dissolved regional board of education for the former regional school district six and the local board of education for Litchfield for the school year ending June 30, 2024, with reports due by October 1, 2026. It also revises the criteria for employing retired officers for security services in public schools and establishes a pilot mentorship program for new school administrators. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill requires local or regional boards of education to enforce academic eligibility standards for students in grades nine to twelve participating in extracurricular activities and creates a grant program for therapeutic arts in public schools. Additionally, it repeals and replaces Section 10-150b to create the Connecticut Educator Preparation and Certification Board, which will focus on modernizing educator preparation and certification processes, with the first report deadline extended to January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-244a
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-244a, 10-150b
File No. 380: 10-244a, 10-150b
APP Joint Favorable: 10-244a, 10-150b