Substitute House Bill 299 Summary

• Permits temporary, legal, or permanent custodians (in addition to parents) of qualified children with autism to apply for and receive Autism Scholarships under the existing program.

• Modifies the definition of "parent" in the Autism Scholarship program to include court-appointed custodians when natural or adoptive parental rights have been terminated.

• Revises testing and graduation requirements for students attending chartered nonpublic schools, including updates to assessment administration and diploma requirements.

• Amends multiple sections of the Revised Code related to educational standards, assessments, scholarship programs, and nonpublic school charter requirements.

• Maintains existing scholarship caps and program requirements while expanding eligibility for guardians and custodians of children with autism-related disabilities.