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 students from sending districts to enroll in non-CTE courses at receiving districts, either part-time or full-time. The bill amends existing law by changing the terminology from "schools" to "districts" in several instances, ensuring that agreements align school calendars to minimize scheduling conflicts for CTE students. Additionally, it stipulates that students from sending districts must have access to CTE programming on par with resident district pupils and encourages alignment of teacher in-service days for collaborative professional development.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific criteria for part-time and full-time program students, including tuition payment structures based on the average cost per pupil. It also mandates that sending districts provide transportation for students attending receiving districts. The Department of Education is authorized to pay tuition for students attending CTE programs if their home district does not offer similar programs, and it allows students from non-public or chartered public schools to enroll in regional CTE centers closer to their schools. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 188-E:1-a, 188-E:1-, 188-E:6, 188-E:7
As Amended by the Senate: 188-E:1-a, 188-E:1-, 188-E:6, 188-E:7
As Amended by the House: 188-E:1-a, 188-E:1-, 188-E:7
Version adopted by both bodies: 188-E:1-a, 188-E:1-, 188-E:7
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 188-E:1-a, 188-E:7