Education

SB 5701 authorizes the state to issue bonds and certificates for specific capital projects, including Moda Center improvements and Oregon State University's Cascades Student Health and Recreation Center. It modifies previously approved lottery bonding rules and allocates specific funding amounts for projects like community college renovations, housing programs, corrections facility upgrades, and university building projects. The bill requires the OSU Cascades project to meet apprenticeship, outreach, and benefits standards. It does not create new taxes or fees but allows the state to borrow funds for these named improvements.

Establishes the Oregon Imagination Library Program to provide a free book each month to eligible children, encourage children to develop a love of reading and learning and improve school readiness, third-grade reading proficiency and high school graduation rates. Directs the Department of Early Learning and Care to implement and administer the program. Authorizes the Early Learning Council, in consultation with the department, to adopt rules necessary to implement the program. Establishes the Oregon Imagination Library Account within the department for purposes of funding the program.

Expands the goals and purposes of the Prosperity 10,000 Program. Requires the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to award grants to local workforce development boards to administer the program. Requires local workforce development boards to consider certain factors when distributing funds to certain entities.

Directs the State Board of Education to allow play-based learning to be considered instructional time for students in kindergarten through grade five.