This bill creates a new program that allows private investors to fund community initiatives in economically disadvantaged areas, with repayment and bonuses tied to achieving specific performance goals. The program involves partnerships between the state Department of Economic and Community Development, community development corporations, service providers, and independent evaluators to deliver education or workforce training programs. Investors receive their capital back plus a performance-based premium only after an independent evaluator verifies that agreed-upon metrics, such as kindergarten readiness or grade-level reading proficiency, have been met. The bill establishes a five-year agreement structure that outlines performance timelines, service fees, and success payment schedules contingent on measurable outcomes.
This bill creates a three-year pilot program to train high school students as American Sign Language interpreters and increases funding for specialized services for individuals who are both blind or visually impaired and deaf. The program will provide up to $1 million to fund high school courses in ASL at select school districts, which must partner with colleges to offer college credit for the training. Additionally, the bill raises the annual state assistance limit for community inclusion services for dual-blind and deaf individuals from $10,000 to $14,000 per person. These changes aim to build a future workforce of interpreters and improve support for people with multiple disabilities.
HB 5035 requires all public K-12 school districts in the state to ban students from using wireless communication devices (like cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day, except for instructional purposes or specific exceptions. The law mandates devices be powered off and stored securely, with exceptions for students needing them under individualized education plans (IEPs) or for medical reasons approved by healthcare providers. It also prohibits access to social media during school hours unless for classroom instruction. School districts must create and share policies with parents about these rules, including emergency communication procedures and disciplinary steps for violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.
HB 5075 allows the town of Windham to use a 95% reimbursement rate for the renovation project at Windham High School (Project Number 163-0079 RNV), overriding standard state rules that typically limit reimbursement rates for school building projects. This specifically affects Windham's local board of education for this single project, changing the reimbursement percentage from the usual rate under Section 10-285a of the general statutes. The bill directly modifies funding terms for this specific high school renovation without altering broader state education funding policies.
SB 220 requires school districts to create individual reading plans for students in grades 4-9 who scored at Level 1 or 2 on English Language Arts exams or missed growth targets. Each plan must identify specific reading gaps, outline evidence-based interventions (like small-group tutoring with a 4:1 student-to-tutor ratio), and include parent communication. The bill also establishes a state grant program to fund high-dosage tutoring for these students, prioritizing districts in alliance towns or with detailed implementation plans. It updates required reading assessments for kindergarten through grade 3 to include frequent screening and progress monitoring.
HB 5178 authorizes the state to issue up to $750,000 in bonds to fund a culinary arts center at Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton. The funds would be provided as a grant to the town of Groton through the Department of Education, directly supporting the high school's program. This bill creates no new laws or regulations but allocates specific state funding for facility construction at the school. It affects Groton High School students and the town's educational programming by enabling dedicated culinary training space.
HB 5034 reduces testing requirements for Connecticut public schools while redesigning high school math pathways. It creates an incentive program for school districts that cut time spent on broad assessments (like state exams), integrate ongoing classroom checks, and boost teacher training in formative assessments. The bill also requires the state to redesign math courses to focus on career-ready skills like data science and applied math, and seeks federal flexibility to adjust school accountability measures. These changes directly affect school districts, students (through reduced testing), and educators (via new professional development). The law takes effect July 2026, with implementation deadlines by 2027.
SB 11 allocates $800,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, specifically to fund the high school preapprenticeship grant program established under Connecticut law. This funding directly supports high school students participating in preapprenticeship programs that prepare them for skilled trades careers. The bill provides concrete financial resources to expand access to these career pathways through state-supported grants. It does not create new eligibility rules or alter program requirements, but ensures dedicated funding for the existing program structure.
SB 7 updates Connecticut's base funding level for public schools (called "Foundation") to increase annually from $11,525 (2014-2026) to $15,500 (2031+) with inflation adjustments. It also revises the "Regional bonus" calculation for towns sending students to regional schools or paying high school tuition. The bill's primary mechanism creates a 13-member working group (including school officials, teachers, students, and community representatives) to study the state's equalization aid formula and recommend improvements for equity and fiscal soundness. This group will examine how state education funding is distributed, aiming to address disparities between school districts. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, with the working group established immediately upon passage.
SB 140 authorizes the state to issue bonds for capital improvements at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown. The bill directs the State Bond Commission to approve bond issuance (up to a specified amount) whose proceeds will fund a grant from the Department of Education to the school. This grant will finance concrete building repairs, facility upgrades, or new infrastructure at the high school. The bill directly affects Vinal Technical High School and its students by providing state funding for physical campus improvements.
