The bill aims to enhance access to career opportunities for 16 and 17-year-old students who are involved in or have completed preparatory secondary career and technical education programs. It recognizes that while these programs provide valuable hands-on experience and training, existing state agency rules impose unnecessary age restrictions that hinder students from starting their training, obtaining licenses or certifications, and entering the workforce. To address these barriers, the bill directs the office of the superintendent of public instruction to form a work group that will review current laws, rules, and policies, and develop recommendations to improve access to career opportunities for these students.

The work group will assess various factors, including barriers to training and employment, age restrictions imposed by agencies, and the requirements for school districts to deliver career and technical education. It will include representatives from multiple stakeholders, such as the department of labor and industries, educators, and industry professionals. The work group is tasked with submitting an initial report with recommendations by December 1, 2025, and a final report by October 1, 2026. The bill also allows for changes to agency rules and practices based on the work group's recommendations before the completion of the reports, and it includes an expiration date of August 1, 2027, for the section.