The bill, S.B. No. 1852, mandates that public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools offering automotive technology courses must ensure these courses are accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. To achieve this accreditation, schools are required to submit an application through the relevant agency and comply with established procedural guidelines. Additionally, the agency will provide financial support for training, equipment upgrades, and application fees to assist schools in obtaining this accreditation. Schools are prohibited from using state appropriated funds for automotive technology courses until they certify compliance with the accreditation requirements.

Furthermore, the bill allows schools that have not yet received accreditation to request a one-year extension from the agency, with the possibility of a second extension for those demonstrating a good faith effort. The agency is also tasked with preparing an annual report on the implementation progress of this section, and the commissioner of education is required to adopt necessary rules by December 1, 2025. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply starting with the 2026-2027 school year.

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