Bill > HB477

This bill establishes comprehensive written parental consent requirements for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities in Missouri. The legislation requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to obtain written parental consent for initial IEP placements, placement changes, service removals, and significant service minute adjustments. The bill defines key terms such as IEP, LEA, and parent, and provides a detailed framework for how consent should be obtained and documented. If parents and LEAs cannot immediately agree on all aspects of an IEP, they can create a partial agreement with a timeline for resolving remaining disputes, and they have access to multiple dispute resolution options like mediation or due process hearings. The bill mandates that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education create a standardized consent form with clear consent, non-consent, and partial consent options, available in the parent's native language. Parents also have the right to visit proposed programs or classrooms before consenting to changes. The bill explicitly states that it does not remove any existing parental rights under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Education, Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB477&year=2025&code=R