The proposed bill, known as the "Connecticut Education Innovation Grant Program," aims to establish a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Education, effective July 1, 2026. This program will fund educational innovations in schools, prioritizing projects that enhance early literacy and numeracy, high-dosage tutoring, college and career navigation, and effective family engagement, among other areas. Eligible applicants include local and regional boards of education, charter schools, and other approved educational providers. Grant applications must detail the educational challenges addressed, proposed actions, baseline data, and evaluation plans. The grants can be awarded for planning (up to one year) or implementation (up to three years), and applicants may request waivers from certain statutory or regulatory requirements that hinder project execution.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 10-262j of the general statutes to exempt districts receiving grants from including those amounts in their budgeted appropriations for education in the following fiscal year. The Department of Education will require grant recipients to submit annual reports on project implementation and outcomes, which will be summarized in a report to the General Assembly each January. The bill establishes a nonlapsing "Connecticut education innovation fund" to support the grant program, ensuring that funds are available for educational innovations in Connecticut schools.