The bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 by updating sections 6 and 11 and adding a new section 61e, which defines "center program" as a special education initiative for various categories of special education pupils, including those with autism spectrum disorder and severe cognitive impairments. It clarifies pupil membership calculations, particularly for special education and cyber school students, and specifies conditions for counting pupils, such as age requirements and documented attendance. The bill emphasizes accurate pupil accounting and attendance tracking, especially in virtual education settings, and outlines the necessary documentation for online course participation.

Additionally, the bill introduces regulations for pupil participation in work-based learning experiences, ensuring that such participation does not displace existing positions within school districts. It appropriates $17,771,551,300 from the state school aid fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and allocates $2,000,000 for competitive grants to assist districts with costs related to work-based learning. The bill also includes various definitions and clarifications regarding pupil membership and attendance, aiming to enhance the accountability and effectiveness of the state's education system while supporting work-based learning initiatives.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 388.1606, 388.1611