Committee advances technical update to driver-education certification, allows summer completion and clarifies credits

The House Education Committee advanced Senate Bill 246, a technical update to Title 14 addressing how driver-education certification is handled when courses use block schedules or are completed outside a full academic year.

The clerk described the bill as aligning state law with modern school scheduling. Under the current and amended language, students must demonstrate academic progress — including passing grades and at least five credits on their most recent report card — to be eligible for driver-education certification. The clerk said the Senate amendment removes language requiring completion "during the regular school year," allowing students to fulfill driver-education requirements during the summer as well. The clerk noted the bill preserves existing flexibility for students receiving special-education services, allowing eligibility when a school determines satisfactory progress consistent with an individualized education program.

A committee member asked whether driver-education completed during the summer (for example, when coordinated with Sussex Tech) still qualifies; Debbie Gottschalk from the Division of Legislative Services confirmed that Senate Amendment 2 removed the "regular school year" restriction to allow summer completion. After no public comments, the committee moved and seconded the motion to advance the bill, conducted a roll call, and the clerk announced the motion carried.

Why it matters: The change updates technical credit calculations to match block scheduling and clarifies that eligible students, including those with IEPs, may complete the driver-education program in summer sessions approved by their schools.

Next steps: The committee carried the motion by roll call; sponsors were asked to sign the bill backer. The clerk said there would be no education meeting next week and likely one the following week.