Bill > HB656

This bill establishes comprehensive written parental consent requirements for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children with disabilities in Missouri's public schools. The legislation defines key terms such as IEP, local educational agency (LEA), and parent, and mandates that LEAs obtain written or electronic parental consent for initial placements, placement changes, service removals, and significant service minute adjustments. If parents and LEAs cannot fully agree on an IEP within ten business days, they must create an interim agreement documenting areas of consensus and a timeline for resolving disagreements. Parents gain the right to visit proposed programs or classrooms before consenting to changes and must be provided a standardized consent form in their native language, which includes options to fully consent, partially consent, or not consent to proposed IEP modifications. The bill provides dispute resolution mechanisms if agreements cannot be reached, such as facilitated meetings or mediation, and explicitly states that it does not diminish any parental rights established under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The provisions will become effective on July 1, 2027, giving schools and districts time to prepare for implementation.

Education

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB656&year=2025&code=R