HB 546 Summary

• Establishes the Educational Opportunities Act to clarify autonomy of nonpublic schools (church, religious, parochial, and private) offering instruction in grades K-12.

• Requires nonpublic schools to annually identify with the State Department of Education by August 31st, providing directory information and accreditation status; church schools exempt from accreditation requirements.

• Mandates private schools that cease operations deposit student academic, attendance, and financial records with designated repositories (continuing schools, administrative offices, or public school superintendents).

• Requires private tutors to hold state certificates, teach public school subject requirements, comply with Child Protection Act of 1999, and file student enrollment information with local superintendents.

• Prohibits public postsecondary institutions and police academies from denying admission or state employment based solely on graduation from nonpublic schools; establishes nonpublic school advisory committee to address concerns with the State Department of Education.