The bill establishes the Co-Curricular Activity Emergency Grant Program within the Department of Education, aimed at supporting the operations of co-curricular activities in public schools, including school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools. Schools can apply for grants to fund specific co-curricular activities, which are defined as voluntary programs conducted outside regular school hours that enhance students' academic experiences. The Commissioner of Education will determine the grant amounts and may prioritize applicants who have faced significant revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the bill appropriates $750,000 from the General Fund to finance the grant program. It allows the Commissioner to adopt necessary rules and regulations for the program's implementation, which will be effective for up to 12 months. The regulations will outline application requirements, selection criteria, and eligible uses of the grant funds. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.