The bill imposes a moratorium on the approval of new independent schools by the State Board of Education until further direction from the General Assembly, with exceptions for therapeutic approved independent schools regarding changes in tax status or ownership, as long as they maintain their approved status. Additionally, it introduces a new chapter titled "Interstate Compact for Education," which aims to enhance cooperation among states in educational matters, establishing a commission to oversee discussions on public policy alternatives and improve education systems across state lines.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws related to the operations of the Commission, eligibility for the compact, and criminal record checks for employees of the Agency of Education. It mandates that the Secretary of Education conduct criminal record checks for individuals with potential unsupervised contact with students and establishes the Intercollegiate Sexual Harm Prevention Council to promote best practices in preventing campus sexual harm. The bill also creates the Advisory Council on Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Prevention in Schools, which will advise on related policies and report annually to the relevant legislative committees. Additionally, it amends the definition of "cost-saving measures" in energy performance contracting and 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
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- 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, 16-183, 16-570, 16-3448f(a)(1), 16-3448f, 16-3448f(a)
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 16-256, 16-183, 16-570, 16-3448f(a)(1), 16-3448f, 16-3448f(a)
As Enacted: 16-256, 16-183, 16-570, 16-3448f(a)(1), 16-3448f, 16-3448f(a)