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 outlines the requirements for the development of a CTE access program by January 1, 2026.

Furthermore, the bill specifies the tuition structure for part-time and full-time program students, requiring sending districts to pay a percentage of their average cost per pupil to receiving districts based on the number of classes enrolled. It also mandates that sending districts provide transportation for students attending receiving districts and clarifies that expenses for special education services will be covered by the student's home district. The bill includes provisions for students attending non-public or chartered public schools to enroll in regional CTE centers closer to their schools, thereby broadening access to CTE programs. 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