The bill establishes a new "High School Water Management and Conservation Program" as a two-year pilot project within the Public School Code. This initiative aims to create a one-credit elective course focused on environmental education, specifically preparing high school students for careers in water management and conservation. The Public Education Department is tasked with administering the program, developing a curriculum in collaboration with various state departments and tribal entities, selecting three participating high schools from different classifications, and establishing reporting and evaluation requirements to assess the program's effectiveness.
Additionally, the bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund for the program's implementation during fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This funding will cover curriculum development, operational expenses, and teacher salaries. The bill also stipulates that any unspent funds at the end of fiscal year 2028 will revert to the general fund.