This bill aims to enhance access to career and technical education (CTE) by mandating that regional CTE agreements (RCTEAs) include provisions for an access program that allows both full-time and part-time students from sending schools to enroll in academic courses at receiving schools. The bill amends RSA 188-E:1-a, III, to ensure that students from sending districts have equal access to CTE programming as those from receiving districts. Additionally, it requires RCTEAs to develop a CTE access program by January 1, 2026, which will facilitate enrollment based on the number of non-CTE classes students are taking. The bill also stipulates that sending schools must provide transportation for these students and outlines the tuition structure for part-time and full-time program students.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new funding provisions, stating that the state will provide financial support for students qualified to attend receiving schools under the new access program. It amends RSA 188-E:7, I, to authorize the Department of Education to pay tuition for students attending designated CTE programs, including those who qualify under the new access program. The bill also allows students attending non-public or chartered public schools closer to a regional CTE center to enroll in that center, thereby expanding educational opportunities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-O:55-a