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 calendar alignment and waiver provisions.

Furthermore, the bill establishes specific criteria for part-time and full-time program students, including tuition payment structures based on the average cost per pupil. It mandates that sending districts provide transportation for students attending receiving districts and clarifies that expenses related to special education services will be covered by the student's home district. The bill also expands eligibility for tuition payments to include students attending non-public or chartered public schools that are closer to a regional CTE center than their designated high school. 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