CT HB05451

Establishes an Advocate for Immigrant and Multilingual Learner Families within the Department of Education, appointed by the Commissioner of Education, effective July 1, 2024.

Advocate must be an immigrant or multilingual learner of at least 16 years old, or a parent, guardian, or familial caretaker of such an individual, and will receive expense reimbursement but no salary.

State Board of Education must reserve at least 10 minutes within the first hour of each meeting for the advocate to report on issues related to immigrants and multilingual learners.

Local or regional school districts with 2 percent or more immigrants or multilingual learners in their total population must establish the same advocate position, appointed by the superintendent and approved by majority board vote.

Local and regional boards of education may alternatively establish a nonvoting board seat for a qualified individual with the same eligibility requirements as the advocate position.