HF 759

1st Engrossment - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/06/2023 03:59pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; providing for computer science education advancement;
authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) "Computer science" means the study of computers and
algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their
implementation, and their impact on society.
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new text begin (b) "Computer science courses and content" means courses at:
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new text begin (1) elementary and middle schools that teach computer science as standalone
implementations or embedded in other subjects; and
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new text begin (2) high schools that teach computer science as standalone courses and focus on teaching
students how to create new technologies.
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new text begin (c) "High-quality computer science educator training" means activities that:
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new text begin (1) clarify the conceptual foundations of computer science;
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new text begin (2) teach research-based practices, including hands-on and inquiry-based learning;
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new text begin (3) are primarily intended for existing teachers with or without prior exposure to computer
science with options for advanced training for teachers; and
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new text begin (4) align to existing integrated computer science standards in Minnesota or nationally
recognized standards, including the Computer Science Teachers' Association's kindergarten
through grade 12 computer science education standards.
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new text begin (d) "High-quality computer science professional learning providers" means institutions
of higher education, nonprofits, other state-funded entities, or private entities that have
successfully designed, implemented, and scaled high-quality computer science professional
learning for teachers as defined in paragraph (c).
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new text begin (e) "STEAM" means science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Computer science education supervisor. new text end

new text begin The computer science supervisor
shall be dedicated to:
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new text begin (1) the implementation of this act and the implementation of the computer science
education strategic plan developed by the working group under subdivision 3;
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new text begin (2) outreach to districts that need additional supports to create or advance their computer
science programs; and
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new text begin (3) supporting districts in using existing and available resources for districts to create
and advance their computer science programs.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Computer science working group. new text end

new text begin (a) The Department of Education shall
establish a computer science education working group to develop a state strategic plan for
long-term and sustained growth of computer science education in all kindergarten through
grade 12 school districts and charter schools. The commissioner of education must appoint
members of the working group by July 1, 2023.
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new text begin (b) Demographics of the working group must be inclusive and represent the diversity
of the state, including but not limited to racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity, and diversity
related to gender and sexual orientation.
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new text begin (c) Public members of the advisory committee may be compensated and reimbursed for
expenses in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3.
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new text begin (d) Meetings of the advisory committee are subject to the Open Meeting Law under
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D.
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new text begin (e) The computer science education advisory committee shall consist of the following
members:
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new text begin (1) one member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house
and one member appointed by the minority leader of the house;
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new text begin (2) one senator appointed by the senate majority leader and one senator appointed by
the senate minority leader;
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new text begin (3) one member appointed by the governor;
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new text begin (4) the commissioner of education or the commissioner's designee;
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new text begin (5) the commissioner of higher education or the commissioner's designee;
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new text begin (6) one representative of the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board;
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new text begin (7) one representative of the Computer Science Teachers' Association of Minnesota;
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new text begin (8) one representative from the business community employing computer scientists or
technologists;
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new text begin (9) one representative from the Minnesota Technology Association;
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new text begin (10) one representative from a nonprofit organization working with students and teachers
in computer science;
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new text begin (11) one representative from the Minnesota Association for School Administrators;
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new text begin (12) one representative from Education Minnesota;
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new text begin (13) one representative from the Minnesota Association of Colleges for Teacher
Education;
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new text begin (14) one representative from CSforAll Minnesota;
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new text begin (15) one licensed library media specialist; and
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new text begin (16) one computer science teacher from the seven-county metropolitan area and one
computer science teacher from outside the seven-county metropolitan area.
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new text begin (f) The computer science education working group shall develop a state strategic plan
for a statewide computer science education program, including the following:
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new text begin (1) a statement of purpose that describes the objectives or goals the Department of
Education will accomplish by implementing a computer science education program, the
strategies by which those goals will be achieved, and a timeline for achieving those goals;
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new text begin (2) a summary of the current state landscape for kindergarten through grade 12 computer
science education, including diversity of students taking these courses;
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new text begin (3) the creation or expansion of flexible options to license computer science teachers,
which may include approval codes, technical permits, ancillary licenses, and standard
licenses;
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new text begin (4) a description of how the state will support the expansion of computer science
education opportunities in every public school and public charter school in the state within
five years, with a focus on ensuring equitable access;
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new text begin (5) identifying high-quality computer science professional learning providers for teachers;
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new text begin (6) an ongoing evaluation process that is overseen by the Department of Education;
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new text begin (7) proposed rules that incorporate the principles of the state strategic plan into the state's
public education system as a whole;
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new text begin (8) recommendations for long-term expansion and sustainability of computer science
education, including:
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new text begin (i) implementation of a requirement that every kindergarten through grade 12 public
school and public charter school employs at least one certified or endorsed computer science
teacher, which may be met through multiple approved processes for certification and
endorsement, including but not limited to endorsing a certified teacher as determined by
the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board endorsed in another subject area;
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new text begin (ii) expansion of a high school credit equivalency for computer science;
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new text begin (iii) a recommendation on whether a foundational computer science course should be a
requirement to graduate high school;
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new text begin (iv) the development of standalone kindergarten through grade 12 standards for computer
science; and
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new text begin (v) training preservice teachers in computer science education; and
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new text begin (9) a description of existing gaps in computer science education access, participation,
and success by geography and subgroup of students and a description of how to equitably
address these gaps.
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new text begin (g) By December 31, 2023, the Department of Education shall publish the proposed
state strategic plan for public feedback.
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new text begin (h) By February 28, 2024, the Department of Education shall present the adopted state
strategic plan described in paragraph (c) to the chairs of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over education.
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new text begin (i) The commissioner of education, or the commissioner of education's designee, may
approve updates and changes to the state strategic plan described in paragraph (c) as necessary
for the successful implementation of kindergarten through grade 12 computer science
education.
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new text begin (j) The Department of Education shall update the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over education on all changes to the strategic plan described in paragraph (c) approved by
the commissioner of education's designee since the last presentation to each respective
entity.
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new text begin (k) The computer science education advisory committee expires on February 28, 2024.
The committee may remain operational for an additional two years at the discretion of the
commissioner of education.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Computer science educator training and capacity building. new text end

new text begin (a) The
Department of Education will develop and implement, or award grants or subcontract with
eligible entities, for the development and implementation of high-quality, coordinated
teacher recruitment and educator training programs for computer science courses and content
as defined in subdivision 1 and aligned to the state strategic plan as developed under
subdivision 3.
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new text begin (b) For the purposes of this subdivision, eligible entities include:
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new text begin (1) a consortium of local educational agencies in the state; and
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new text begin (2) high-quality computer science professional learning providers, including institutions
of higher education in the state that are reasonably accessible geographically to all Minnesota
educators, nonprofits, other state-funded entities, or private entities working in partnership
with a consortium of local educational agencies.
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new text begin (c) For purposes of this subdivision, eligible uses of funding include:
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new text begin (1) high-quality professional learning opportunities for kindergarten through grade 12
computer science content that:
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new text begin (i) are created and delivered in a consistent manner across the state;
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new text begin (ii) are made available with no out-of-pocket expenses to educators, including teachers,
counselors, administrators, and other district employees as approved by the Department of
Education, schools, and school districts;
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new text begin (iii) are made available asynchronously online, in person, and online or hybrid as
determined appropriate by the Department of Education; and
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new text begin (iv) include introductory, intermediate, and advanced trainings aligned to the kindergarten
through grade 12 academic standards or, as necessary, other standards approved by the
Department of Education, specified for each of the grade bands kindergarten through grade
2, grades 3 to 5, grades 6 to 8, and grades 9 to 12;
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new text begin (2) professional learning opportunities for educators of students in grades 9 to 12 may
also include trainings for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and current
enrollment credit computer science courses;
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new text begin (3) travel expenses for kindergarten through grade 12 computer science teachers:
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new text begin (i) for attending training opportunities under clauses (1) and (2); and
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new text begin (ii) deemed appropriate and approved by the commissioner of education, or the
commissioner of education's designee;
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new text begin (4) any future credentialing for kindergarten through grade 12 computer science teachers,
including Career and Technical Education and academic endorsements;
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new text begin (5) supports for kindergarten through grade 12 computer science professional learning,
including mentoring and coaching;
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new text begin (6) creation and deployment of resources to promote training opportunities and
recruitment of kindergarten through grade 12 computer science teachers;
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new text begin (7) creation or purchase of resources to support implementation approved by the
commissioner of education or the commissioner of education's designee;
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new text begin (8) creation and deployment of resources to promote learning opportunities or recruit
students to engage in the learning opportunities;
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new text begin (9) development of teacher credentialing programs;
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new text begin (10) planning for districts to implement or expand computer science education
opportunities; and
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new text begin (11) employ, or grant for employment of, personnel or contractors to oversee the statewide
initiative, develop programs and trainings, and deliver training opportunities under clause
(1).
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new text begin (d) As a condition of receiving any funding through grants or subcontracts, eligible
entities must submit an application to the Department of Education. The application must,
at a minimum, address how the entity will:
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new text begin (1) reach new and existing teachers with little to no computer science background;
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new text begin (2) attract and support educators from schools that currently do not have established
computer science education programs;
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new text begin (3) use research- or evidence-based practices for high-quality professional development;
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new text begin (4) focus the professional learning on the conceptual foundations of computer science;
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new text begin (5) reach and support subgroups underrepresented in computer science;
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new text begin (6) provide teachers with concrete experience through hands-on, inquiry-based practices;
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new text begin (7) accommodate the particular teacher and students needs in each district and school;
and
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new text begin (8) ensure that participating districts begin offering courses or content within the same
or subsequent school year after the teacher receives the professional learning.
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new text begin (e) The Department of Education shall prioritize the following applications:
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new text begin (1) consortiums of local educational agencies that are working in partnership with
providers of high-quality professional learning for kindergarten through grade 12 computer
science;
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new text begin (2) proposals that describe strategies to increase enrollment overall, including but not
limited to subgroups of students that are traditionally underrepresented in computer science;
and
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new text begin (3) proposals from rural or urban areas with a low penetration of kindergarten through
grade 12 computer science offerings, including local education consortiums within these
areas.
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new text begin (f) The award recipient shall report, for all funding received under this act annually, at
a minimum:
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new text begin (1) the number of teachers:
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new text begin (i) trained within each of elementary, middle, and high school;
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new text begin (ii) trained within trainings offered as outlined in paragraph (c), clause (1), item (iv);
and
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new text begin (iii) trainings offered in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and concurrent
enrollment credit computer science courses; and
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new text begin (2) the number of teachers, and percentage of teachers trained, that started implementing
computer science courses limited to middle and high school implementation.
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new text begin (g) The Department of Education shall make these reports public. The publicly released
data shall not include student-level personally identifiable information.
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new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Incentives for teacher preparation. new text end

new text begin On and after July 1, 2027, any program
of teacher preparation leading to professional certification shall include, as part of the
curriculum, instruction in computer science as applied to student learning and classroom
instruction that are grade-level and subject-area appropriate.
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new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Computer science education data collection. new text end

new text begin (a) The Department of Education
shall require all high schools to report data and information about computer science course
offerings and enrollment.
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new text begin (b) The Department of Education shall develop a plan for the secure and regular reporting
of computer science course offerings and enrollment data from schools with kindergarten
to grade 8 bands within 90 days of enactment of this act.
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new text begin (c) Data collected in processes described in paragraphs (a) and (b) should be disaggregated
by gender, race, ethnicity, free and reduced-price lunch status, Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act status, 504 status, and English language learner status.
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new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Adoption of rules. new text end

new text begin The Department of Education and Professional Educator
Standards and Licensing Board may adopt rules to administer the computer science education
advancement fund, including rules for flexible options to license computer science teachers,
approval codes, technical permits, ancillary licenses, and standard licenses.
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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sums indicated in this section are
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education in the fiscal years
designated.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin STEAM grants. new text end

new text begin (a) For grants to STEAM-focused programs that work directly
with students providing additional STEAM education through after-school programming
or new in-school programs:
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	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 4,000,000 new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2024 new text end
	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 4,000,000 new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) Eligible grant recipients are schools and school districts or nonprofits that are currently
offering computer science courses or STEAM-focused programming for kindergarten to
grade 12 students in after-school programs. Preference must be given to programs serving
high free and reduced-priced lunch populations, students from Tribal Nations, or programs
in schools or districts receiving sparsity revenue under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10.
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new text begin (c) Grant awards to nonprofits must not exceed $125,000 per recipient.
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new text begin (d) At the conclusion of the grant, recipients should submit to the commissioner of
education student enrollment data disaggregated by gender, race, ethnicity, free and
reduced-price lunch status, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act status, 504 status,
and English language learner status.
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new text begin (e) Any balance in the first year does not cancel and is available in the second year.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Computer science education advancement. new text end

new text begin (a) For computer science
advancement:
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	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 4,000,000 new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2024 new text end
	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 4,000,000 new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) Eligible uses of the appropriation include expenses related to the implementation of
section 1 and expenses related to the development, advancement, and promotion of
kindergarten through grade 12 computer science education.
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new text begin (c) Any balance in the first year does not cancel and is available in the second year.
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new text begin (d) The base appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and later is $4,000,000.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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