HB 16-1198 Summary

• Allows school districts to count computer science and coding courses as mathematics or science credits toward high school graduation requirements.

• Encourages all school districts to offer one or more computer science and coding courses in every high school.

• Requires the State Board of Education to adopt computer science standards by July 1, 2018 for secondary students, including computer code writing courses that qualify as graduation requirements in mathematics or science.

• Permits local education providers to voluntarily implement the state-adopted computer science standards.

• Effective August 10, 2016, unless subject to a referendum petition filed within 90 days of final adjournment, in which case approval by voters at the November 2016 general election is required.