The bill aims to enhance funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs in middle grades by appropriating $240,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027. It mandates the superintendent of public instruction to annually distribute these funds to accredited elementary and K-12 school districts with junior high, middle school, or 7th and 8th grade programs. The bill emphasizes that the state funding should complement federal funding under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, ensuring that the distribution method is equitable and not limited by school size.

Additionally, the bill grants the superintendent of public instruction the authority to establish rules regarding the distribution of funds, application forms, budget procedures, and accounting rules. This legislative action reflects a growing recognition of the importance of providing quality CTE opportunities to middle school students, thereby enhancing their career exposure and exploration. The provisions of this bill are intended to be integrated into existing educational laws, specifically Title 20, chapter 7, part 3.