The Senate Committee on Education meeting focused on several bills related to enhancing educational services, particularly for vulnerable populations. Key discussions included SB992, which aims to establish the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership program, and SB838, focused on implementing silent panic alert technology in schools to improve safety. Various representatives and experts provided testimony, highlighting the importance of these initiatives for improving educational outcomes and mental health support for students. The committee concluded the session by moving bills forward for further consideration.
Relating to the provision of on-campus mental health services by a school district and reimbursement under Medicaid for certain services provided to eligible students.
Relating to parental rights regarding a threat assessment of a student conducted by a public school's threat assessment and safe and supportive school team.
Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.