The bill H.931 amends Vermont's education law by instituting a moratorium on the approval of new independent schools by the State Board of Education until further direction from the General Assembly. However, this moratorium does not extend to changes in ownership of therapeutic approved independent schools, as long as the school retains its status post-ownership change and follows the necessary application processes. Additionally, the bill introduces a new chapter regarding the Interstate Compact for Education, which aims to enhance cooperation among states in educational policy and data sharing. It establishes the Education Commission of the States, composed of representatives from participating states, responsible for collecting educational data and making policy recommendations.

Furthermore, the bill outlines operational amendments for the Commission, including the use of funds under subsection 1503(g) of the Compact for financial obligations, and mandates accurate accounting practices subject to annual audits. It also prohibits the State Board from ordering school district consolidations based on class size minimum standards if such actions would lead to excessive construction costs. Noncompliance with class size requirements will not count towards state intervention thresholds until the Education Quality Standards are updated. Lastly, the bill requires the Agency of Education to conduct criminal background checks for employees with potential unsupervised contact with students, detailing the process and implications for applicants with certain convictions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-10, 16-261a, 16-1691a, 16-1931(20), 16-1931, 24-5051(10), 24-5051, 16-1981, 21-1722, 16-2101, 16-256
As Passed By the House -- Official: 16-10, 16-261a, 16-1691a, 16-1931(20), 16-1931, 24-5051(10), 24-5051, 16-1981, 21-1722, 16-2101, 16-256
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 16-256