Bill > HB532

This bill modifies New Hampshire's law regarding alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for special education by clarifying and expanding options for resolving disagreements between parents and school districts. Specifically, the bill introduces IEP (Individualized Education Program) team meeting facilitation as a distinct dispute resolution method, separate from other ADR options like neutral conferences and mediation. The bill establishes that the state Department of Education will make IEP facilitation available to parents and school districts as a voluntary dispute resolution option. When a dispute arises, the local education agency must notify the department in writing if a parent rejects an IEP, educational placement, identification, or evaluation. This triggers a 30-day discussion period during which the department will communicate alternative dispute resolution options to the parent. The bill emphasizes that while informal resolution is strongly encouraged, it is not mandatory. The legislation also maintains confidentiality provisions for neutral conferences and mediation, ensuring that discussions and statements made during these proceedings cannot be used in subsequent legal proceedings. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a clear mechanism for parents and schools to collaboratively address special education disagreements.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=858&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB532