This bill amends the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to improve educational opportunities for students under juvenile court jurisdiction. It mandates the establishment of a centralized education records system by the State Department of Education to ensure uninterrupted education services and timely sharing of academic records. The bill also requires the employment of registrars to manage these records and facilitate credit hour awards for completed academic work. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Education regarding the issuance of high school diplomas and emphasizes collaboration among state departments to enhance educational outcomes for these students. Modifications to graduation requirements allow students under juvenile court jurisdiction to graduate without additional requirements if they were previously enrolled in a public high school.

Moreover, the bill establishes a grant program funded by lottery funds to support the development of learning platforms in chemistry, physical science, and mathematics, with the State Board of Education responsible for setting standards and prioritizing grant applications. Developers can apply for grants to create platforms that align with these standards and promote STEM career pathways. The bill also creates the State Department of Education Improvement Grant Fund, which will be used for both the grant program and the centralized education records system. It modifies the allocation of funds by removing the previous percentage breakdown for improvement grants and allows for transfers to the Education Future Fund at the Legislature's discretion, while also repealing certain sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-303.01, 79-729, 79-1054
Final Reading: 79-303.01, 79-729, 79-1054
Slip Law: 79-303.01, 79-729, 79-1054