TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A new Kansas law will designate some school districts as innovative and make them exempt from certain state education rules.

The law, signed Monday, establishes a pilot program that will allow 10 percent of the state’s 286 school districts to be designated as innovative school districts for five years. The law goes into effect July 1.

The innovative districts will be exempt from several state education laws but still must conduct annual testing of students and comply with state finance laws.

Governor Sam Brownback and chairmen of the House and Senate education committees will approve the first two applicants seeking innovative status. Those applications will go to the State Board of Education to receive final approval within 90 days.