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teams must consist of trained members and adopt operational policies, while previous data collection requirements are repealed.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, 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 enhancements to reading instruction for K-3 students.

Moreover, the bill creates the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program, which provides tuition benefits for eligible members attending Vermont colleges, contingent on their service commitment and academic progress. It mandates that school emergency operations plans address acute cardiac events, including the use of AEDs and CPR training for staff. The bill also repeals the requirement for voter approval for long-term performance contracts, streamlines library material selection policies, and establishes a model policy for student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all schools must develop a policy on device use, and secondary students may apply for enrollment in career technical education programs outside their service region, with tuition covered by the sending district.

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