Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the current operating hours for state public middle and high schools.

Highlights:

• Establishes that the some of the powers and duties of the district school board are as follows (Sec. 1): 

• Adopt policies for the opening and closing of schools;and

• To set uniform days;and

• To determine middle school and high school start times.

• Establishes that the opening date for schools in a district may not be earlier than August 10 of each year (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that by July 1, 2026 the start time for the average school day in middle school will start no earlier than 8:00 AM and the start time for the instructional day in high school will start no earlier than 8:30 AM (Sec. 1).

• Requires that the school board must inform the local community, the staff of the school, parents, and other stakeholders the costs associated with sleep deprivation and benefits of a later start time (Sec. 1). 

• Requires that charter schools follow the new amended start times as well as all other previous statutes (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text