CT SB00179

Establishes an exemplary veterans education program distinction awarded by the State Board of Education to schools offering programs that educate students about veterans' contributions or collaborate with local veterans organizations, effective July 1, 2016.

Requires local and regional school boards to post the Department of Children and Families Careline telephone number and website address in conspicuous locations frequented by students in multiple languages, effective July 1, 2016.

Renames and expands the child abuse hotline to the "Careline" to accept reports of child abuse or neglect and provide information about both issues, regardless of the alleged perpetrator's relationship to the child.

Adds cancer awareness instruction to school health curricula, including age-appropriate instruction on self-examinations for breast and testicular cancer screening, effective July 1, 2016.

Creates a task force to review and streamline state policies relating to school climate, bullying, school safety, and social-emotional learning, with recommendations due by January 1, 2017.