HB 153

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE EARLY COMMITMENT TO COLLEGE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE A SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH AN "F" ACCOUNTABILITY RATING, AS DEFINED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO BE DESIGNATED AS A COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY ZONE; TO REQUIRE THE SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SIXTH THROUGH NINTH GRADES AN OPPORTUNITY TO SIGN A "SAVE ME A SPOT IN COLLEGE" PLEDGE; TO AUTHORIZE SCHOOLS OR DISTRICTS NOT HAVING THE COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY ZONE DESIGNATION TO ALLOW CERTAIN STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM; TO PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WITH RESPECT TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM; TO AUTHORIZE A FEE WAIVER FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING THE PROGRAM TO ATTEND A PUBLIC COMMUNITY OR JUNIOR COLLEGE OR STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE; TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES TO COLLABORATE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES IN COORDINATION WITH LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL OF THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT ON JULY 1, 2035; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.