Introduced Version
HOUSE BILL No. 1207
_____
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Citations Affected: IC 20-20-50.1.
Synopsis: Space science and technology grant program. Establishes
the space science and technology grant program to provide grants to
eligible entities to develop and implement high quality, innovative
educational opportunities in schools, with a focus in atmospheric and
outer space exploration. Provides a procedure for eligible entities to
apply to the department of education (department) to receive a grant.
Establishes the space science and technology fund. Provides that the
department shall develop criteria to award grants to eligible entities.
Effective: July 1, 2025.
Goss-Reaves
January 8, 2025, read first time and referred to Committee on Education.
2025 IN 1207—LS 6968/DI 152 Introduced
First Regular Session of the 124th General Assembly (2025)
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana
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between statutes enacted by the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
HOUSE BILL No. 1207
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
education.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
1 SECTION 1. IC 20-20-50.1 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
2 AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
3 JULY 1, 2025]:
4 Chapter 50.1. Space Science and Technology Grant Program
5 Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "eligible entity" means an
6 organization that partners with a school to provide students with
7 opportunities to improve science and technology skills.
8 Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "fund" refers to the space science
9 and technology fund established by section 6 of this chapter.
10 Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "program" refers to the space
11 science and technology grant program established by section 5 of
12 this chapter.
13 Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "school" means a:
14 (1) school maintained by a school corporation;
15 (2) charter school; or
16 (3) state accredited nonpublic school.
17 Sec. 5. The space science and technology grant program is
2025 IN 1207—LS 6968/DI 152 2
1 established to provide grants to eligible entities to develop and
2 implement high quality, innovative educational opportunities in
3 schools, with a focus in atmospheric and outer space exploration.
4 Sec. 6. (a) The space science and technology fund is established
5 for the purposes sent forth in section 5 of this chapter.
6 (b) The fund consists of the following:
7 (1) Appropriations from the general assembly.
8 (2) Gifts to the fund.
9 (3) Grants, including grants from private entities.
10 (4) Other state funds that are transferred to the fund.
11 (c) The expenses of administering the fund shall be paid from
12 money in the fund.
13 (d) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the fund not
14 currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same
15 manner as other public money may be invested. Interest that
16 accrues from these investments shall be deposited into the fund.
17 (e) Money in the fund at the end of the state fiscal year does not
18 revert to the state general fund.
19 Sec. 7. The department shall develop criteria to award grants to
20 eligible entities. The criteria developed by the department must
21 include the following:
22 (1) The ability of the eligible entity to develop and implement
23 innovative learning experiences in schools, with a focus in
24 atmospheric and outer space exploration, such as high
25 altitude balloon launches.
26 (2) The ability of an eligible entity to provide tailored,
27 standards aligned curriculum to accompany the innovative
28 learning experiences described under subdivision (1).
29 (3) Any other criteria the department considers relevant.
30 Sec. 8. The department shall administer the program and fund.
31 Sec. 9. An eligible entity may apply to the department to receive
32 a grant from the fund in a manner and on a form provided by the
33 department.
34 Sec. 10. The department may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to
35 implement this chapter.
2025 IN 1207—LS 6968/DI 152