This bill establishes a Berlin Cosmetology Program Task Force to assess the feasibility of creating cosmetology-related programming in Coos County, New Hampshire. The task force will consist of representatives from the Department of Education, White Mountain Community College, the community college system, local school administration, and a cosmetology teacher. It is tasked with evaluating the needs for cosmetology education and employment in the region, potential staffing and funding requirements, and the feasibility of launching a program by September 1, 2027. The findings and recommendations will be reported to various stakeholders, including the governor and education committees, by June 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to extend the designation of career and technical education programs to include those on university and community college campuses, thereby enhancing educational opportunities. It also mandates that school districts and public charter schools maintain accurate records of student meal debt and submit these records to the Department of Education. The new provisions clarify that "student meal debt" refers specifically to debts incurred from meals provided under federal programs, excluding a la carte purchases and other non-meal items. The bill will take effect upon passage, with the exception of the repeal of the task force, which will take effect on June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 188-E:1, 188-E:5-a
As Amended by the House: 188-E:1, 188-E:5-a, 189:11-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 188-E:1, 188-E:5-a, 189:11-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 188-E:1, 188-E:5-a, 189:11-a
SB531 text: 188-E:1