HB 3446
Reallocates how moneys from the Connecting Education to Careers Account for activities related to career and technical education are distributed to schools.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Higher Education and Workforce Development
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
80%
Oppose
20%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill changes how money from the Connecting Education to Careers Account is distributed to schools for career and technical education (CTE) activities. It directs 40% of the funds to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, guided by the STEM Investment Council, and 60% to CTE programs that lead to high-wage jobs, overseen by a specific committee. The funds can be used for expanding STEM networks, grants, professional development, and supporting underserved students. It also provides funding for CTE revitalization grants, student leadership organizations, and pilot programs to increase student access to CTE.
Key provisions
- 40% of funds allocated to STEM education programs, guided by the STEM Investment Council.
- 60% of funds allocated to CTE programs leading to high-wage jobs, overseen by a designated committee.
- Funding for expanding STEM networks and providing grants for innovative STEM programs.
- Support for underserved students in CTE programs.
- Allocation for CTE revitalization grants and student leadership organizations.
- Funding for teacher training programs related to CTE.
- Establishment of a pilot program to increase student access to CTE.
- A limit on administrative expenses for the Department of Education, the STEM Investment Council, and the committee.
Who is affected
- School districts
- Public charter schools
- Community colleges
- Public universities
- Nonprofit organizations promoting student leadership in CTE
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3446 argue that the bill strengthens student success by ensuring Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs remain rigorous and comprehensive, aligning with industry needs and promoting equity. They emphasize the importance of high-quality Program of Study opportunities that allow students to enter and remain engaged, maximizing their educational experience and skill development. Additionally, proponents advocate for clarifying CTE funding criteria to ensure students meet specific credit requirements and for a proposed rule change aimed at equipping students with skills for high-wage careers, ultimately supporting a more effective and efficient CTE system.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
ed concerns that the proposed amendment to HB 3446 would limit student access to career pathways and increase financial burden on school districts. They argued that requiring students to earn 3.0 credits in a state-approved Career & Technical Education (CTE) program before qualifying for additional career pathways categories could restrict opportunities for students who may not have the necessary resources or support to complete these programs. Additionally, d that districts already rely heavily on Secondary Career Pathways funds to supplement CTE funding, which is currently insufficient, and that the proposed amendment could exacerbate this issue, potentially leading to a negative impact on district budgets.