The bill amends Vermont law to improve school safety and educational opportunities by requiring school districts and independent schools to establish behavioral threat assessment teams by July 1, 2025, and implement comprehensive programs by October 1, 2025. These teams must consist of trained members and adopt operational policies, while previous data collection requirements are repealed. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for virtual learning, allowing students in Vermont public schools to participate in such opportunities and ensuring they are counted in the school district's average daily membership. It also updates the appointment process for the Secretary of Education, emphasizing systematic reading instruction for K-3 students and expanding reading support for K-12 students.

Moreover, the bill establishes a tuition benefit program for eligible members of the Vermont National Guard, covering in-state tuition rates at Vermont institutions, and mandates schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans. It introduces a model policy for cell phone and personal electronic device use in schools, aiming to create a focused learning environment while allowing exceptions for students with specific needs. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all school boards and approved independent schools must enforce a student device use policy aligned with the Secretary of Education's model. The bill also facilitates secondary students' enrollment in career and technical education programs outside their service region, with provisions for tuition coverage and transportation. Various sections of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, while the remainder will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-176(d), 16-176, 16-559, 16-942(13), 16-942, 16-941, 3-2702
As Passed By the House -- Official: 16-176(d), 16-176, 16-559, 16-942(13), 16-942, 16-941, 3-2702
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 16-176(d), 16-176, 16-559, 16-942(13), 16-942, 16-941, 3-2702
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 16-176(d), 16-176, 16-559, 16-942(13), 16-942, 16-941, 3-2702, 16-1485, 16-2903, 16-2857, 16-1480, 16-3448f, 16-1624
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 16-1485, 16-176(d), 16-176, 16-559, 16-942(13), 16-942, 16-941, 3-2702, 16-2903, 16-2857, 16-1480, 16-3448f, 16-1624
As Enacted: 16-1485, 16-176(d), 16-176, 16-559, 16-942(13), 16-942, 16-941, 3-2702, 16-2903, 16-2857, 16-1480, 16-3448f, 16-1624