State Department of Education - Driver Education and Career and Technical Education - Funding (Driver Education and Career Education Act of 2025)

SB 161 mandates annual budget appropriations for Maryland's State Department of Education to fund driver education and career and technical education (CTE) programs through the Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc. in Prince George’s County. It requires specific funding amounts (ranging from $216,600 to $280,850 annually) for fiscal years 2027-2032, allocated to teacher training, student transportation, driver education access, CTE events, and annual program evaluations. The bill also requires the Department to hire an independent contractor to evaluate whether funding increases career readiness, teacher development, and student occupational literacy, with annual reports to state officials. This directly affects public school students, educators, and the Coalition, aiming to expand access to career-focused education and driver training.