Bill > A00625

This bill amends the education law for school districts in cities with a population of one million or more, establishing new provisions for determining a student's educational placement during disputes (known as "pendency"). Specifically, the bill creates a presumption that the school identified in a settlement agreement is the student's operative placement until certain changes occur, such as a new agreement between parties, an unappealed hearing officer decision, or a court ruling. The bill requires periodic review of each child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) at least annually and mandates that pendency tuition payments continue uninterrupted during appeals. For claims filed by June 30, 2024, the local educational agency must make reasonable efforts to finalize settlements by January 1, 2026, and any settlements must include a payment schedule with the first payment starting within 60 days of settlement execution. The bill aims to provide more clarity and predictability for parents and school districts in managing educational placements for students with special needs, particularly in large urban school districts.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A625