HB 250 Summary

• Changes military enlistment diploma seal name from "Military Enlistment Seal" to "Military Seal" and expands qualification criteria to include ROTC scholarships and military academy appointments, in addition to enlistment and JROTC participation.

• Establishes High School Financial Literacy Fund managed by Director of Education and Workforce; requires financial literacy curriculum for grades 9-12 to include free market capitalism concepts.

• Mandates all school districts adopt cellular telephone policies by July 1, 2024, emphasizing limited student use during school hours while allowing exceptions for learning or health concerns.

• Changes educator license grade band specifications from K-12 to either pre-K-8 or 6-12 effective December 29, 2023; allows teachers to teach outside designated grade band by up to two levels for up to two school years.

• Modifies Pupil Transportation Pilot Program to include two educational service centers (instead of one) providing transportation to community and charter school students; increases Adoption Grant Program funding from $15 million to $34 million.