Assembly Bill 1101 aims to establish a new grant program to support "Grow Your Own" initiatives that encourage individuals to pursue careers in teaching and facilitate teacher licensure. The bill, introduced by a group of representatives and senators, allocates $5,000,000 for the fiscal year 2026-27 to reimburse school boards and independent charter school operators for costs associated with these programs. The definition of "Grow Your Own" programs includes high school clubs promoting teaching careers, financial support for current staff seeking licensure, dual enrollment career pathways, partnerships to attract new teachers, and incentives for paraprofessionals to gain licensure.

The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Public Instruction to award grants starting in the 2026-27 school year and grants the department rule-making authority to implement and administer the program. Notable amendments to existing statutes include the addition of the new section 115.422, which outlines the specifics of the grant program, and the inclusion of the new grant category in the appropriations under section 20.255 (2) (ch). Additionally, the bill amends sections 118.40 and 119.04 to incorporate the new grant program into the existing framework of educational funding and regulations.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 119.04(1), 119.04