This bill amends existing education laws to allow students to use education freedom account (EFA) funds for specific career and technical education (CTE) expenses. It mandates the Department of Education to develop a formula for determining tuition and transportation costs for approved CTE programs and to establish separate funds for these costs. Additionally, the bill requires the scholarship organization to provide EFA students in grades 9-12 with information about enrolling in CTE classes and programs.

Furthermore, the bill removes references to "curriculum frameworks" in the context of adequate education, replacing them with "academic standards." It emphasizes that the state board of education and the Department of Education must maintain and update minimum standards for public school approval and academic standards every ten years. The bill also clarifies definitions related to curriculum and educational content, ensuring that local educators have the flexibility to implement approaches that best suit their students' needs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 188-E:6, 188-E:8, 188-E:9, 194-F:4
As Amended by the Senate: 188-E:6, 188-E:9, 194-F:4
As Amended by the House: 188-E:6, 188-E:9, 194-F:4, 193-E:2-a
SB491 text: 188-E:6, 188-E:8, 188-E:9, 194-F:4