The bill amends several sections of Vermont law to enhance school safety and educational opportunities. It requires 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teams must consist of trained members and adopt effective policies, while previous data collection requirements are repealed.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. Other key amendments include the establishment of a Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) Start-up Grant Program, updates to the Flexible Pathways Initiative, and a focus on evidence-based reading instruction for K-3 students.

Moreover, the bill enhances educational benefits for Vermont National Guard members by introducing a tuition benefit program covering in-state tuition rates, contingent on fulfilling service commitments. It mandates schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans and establishes a model policy for cell phone and personal electronic device use in schools, promoting a focused learning environment. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all school boards and approved independent schools must adopt a student device use policy aligned with the Secretary of Education's model policy. The bill also allows secondary students to enroll in career and technical education (CTE) programs outside their service region if their local center does not offer the desired program, with provisions for tuition and transportation.

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