Education

SB 222 allows high school students to count participation in interscholastic sports as credit toward their physical education graduation requirement. This change directly affects students seeking to fulfill PE requirements and local school boards responsible for granting credit. The bill modifies state statute to require school boards to grant PE credit for athletic program participation, replacing an existing medical exemption clause. The provision takes effect on July 1, 2026, providing a new pathway for students to meet graduation PE requirements through sports involvement.

This bill updates the definition of "retired police officer" to clarify who can be hired for armed security work in Connecticut public schools. It specifically disqualifies individuals who are prohibited from being hired by law enforcement units due to past misconduct, such as dismissal for malfeasance or resignation during an investigation. To qualify, retired officers must have served with local, state, federal, or out-of-state police agencies, retired in good standing, and meet federal standards for qualified retired law enforcement officers. The law also requires these officers to complete annual firearms training and exempts them from certain licensing requirements.