This bill proposes the establishment of a student teacher stipend grant program, with an appropriation of $500,000 from the general fund to the Department of Education. The funds will be allocated to school districts and department-accredited schools based on applications submitted during a specified period from July 1 to August 15. Grants will be capped at $5,000 per school district or accredited school and are intended to support stipends for student teachers placed in those institutions during the following school year. To qualify for the grants, applicants must hold a Student Teacher Permit or an Advanced Student Teacher Permit from the Department of Education.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the Department of Education may use up to five percent of the appropriated funds for administrative costs related to the grant program. The secretary of the Department of Education is tasked with approving vouchers, while the state auditor will manage the payment of authorized expenditures. Any unspent or unallocated funds will revert according to existing procedures, and the provisions of this Act will take effect on June 30, 2025.