Bill > HB121

This bill requires every local school district in New Hampshire to establish a District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (DSEPAC), which will serve as a collaborative body to support and improve special education services. The council will consist of up to 11 parents, with at least one representative from each town in the district, selected through an open application process and serving two-year terms. The council's primary responsibilities include advising the district on matters related to students with disabilities, meeting quarterly with district administration to participate in special education program planning and evaluation, providing input on district policies, facilitating communication between parents and school leadership, and serving as a resource for parents about special education rights. The bill mandates that council meetings be open to all parents of students with disabilities, district staff, and interested parties, and ensure accessibility. Additionally, each school district must hold an annual workshop to review parents' and students' rights under state and federal law, and the DSEPAC must submit an annual public report to the school board by July 1 summarizing its activities and recommendations. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and while there may be some administrative costs associated with implementing these councils, the fiscal impact is expected to vary by district based on existing resources.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0090&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB121