HB 267 Summary

• Establishes the Idaho Career Ready Students Program to create additional career technical education opportunities for students in grades 7-12 responsive to workforce needs, with an associated fund administered by the state department of education.

• Creates an 11-member Idaho Career Ready Students Program Council chaired by the state superintendent of public instruction, including career technical educators, industry representatives, workforce development council member, and legislative appointees.

• Authorizes the council to accept program proposals from local education agencies, determine eligible expenses including capital costs and partnership investments, and award grants on annual or multi-year basis with preference given to rural communities and proposals addressing workforce needs.

• Establishes an Added Cost Funding Support Program administered by the state board for career technical education to distribute funds for operating and instructor expenses beyond normal secondary career technical education program costs.

• Requires annual reporting to the governor and legislature on program administration and outcomes, with a triennial review of program effectiveness and updated funding formula approval by the state board for career technical education.

• Effective date July 1, 2023, declared an emergency.