The bill S.253, introduced by Senator Harrison, aims to enhance transparency in Vermont's tuitioning system for public schools and approved independent schools. It mandates that school district budgets include specific details about tuition payments, such as the names of schools receiving tuition, the number of students attending each school, and the total tuition paid. Additionally, the bill establishes new requirements for approved independent schools to qualify for public tuition, ensuring they comply with various standards, including enrollment policies for students requiring special education services and the provision of financial and performance data to local education agencies.

Key amendments in the bill include the addition of new requirements for independent schools seeking public tuition, such as prohibiting discriminatory admissions processes and mandating the reporting of enrollment changes. The bill also removes previous conditions that required independent schools to enroll all students needing special education services, provided they are placed by the appropriate educational teams. Furthermore, the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing time for schools and districts to adjust to the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-563, 16-166