summary
Introduced
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
In Committee
03/19/2025
03/19/2025
Crossed Over
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Passed
04/17/2025
04/17/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/17/2025
04/17/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill clarifies the process and timeline for an administrative unit or a state-operated program to provide special education services to a military-connected child with disabilities (child) who transfers from one administrative unit or state-operated program within Colorado to another, or transfers from an out-of-state school district or private school to an administrative unit or a state-operated program within Colorado, as a result of an inbound active duty military member's (member) order to permanently change military stations. For a child who transfers from an administrative unit or state-approved program to a private school within Colorado, or transfers from an out-of-state school district or private school to a private school within Colorado, the administrative unit with jurisdiction over the geographic boundary that the private school is located in shall review the child's evaluation information and existing individualized education program (IEP) or section 504 plan in consultation with the child's member, parent, legal guardian, or custodian. The administrative unit shall determine and provide equitable special education and related services, an IEP, or a section 504 plan to the child enrolled in the private school. For a child who transfers from an out-of-state school district or private school with an individualized family service plan, the administrative unit or the state-operated program shall follow the process to coordinate, in conjunction with the department of early childhood, the transition of the child from an early intervention program for infants and toddlers pursuant to part C of the federal "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (IDEA) to a program component to serve children with disabilities from 3 to 21 years of age pursuant to part B of the IDEA. The bill requires an administrative unit, a state-operated program, or an administrative unit with jurisdiction over the geographic boundary that a private school is located in to receive informed consent from the member, parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child before: ! There are revisions to the child's category of disability; ! There are revisions to the child's IEP or section 504 plan; ! There are changes to the child's eligibility for special education and related services; or ! There is a partial or complete termination of special education and related services, except if the child graduates with a standard or advanced studies diploma. In the event a dispute between an administrative unit or a state-operated program and a member, parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child results in a due process hearing, the administrative unit or the state-operated program has the burden of proof.
AI Summary
This bill addresses special education support for children of military families who are transferring between schools in Colorado or from out-of-state. The legislation requires school districts and charter schools to ensure that military-connected children with existing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans receive appropriate services and accommodations without unreasonable delay when enrolling in a new school. Schools must guarantee enrollment and matriculation for these students through open and remote enrollment options. Additionally, the bill mandates that each school district and charter school take reasonable steps to inform inbound active-duty military members and their families about their rights regarding special education services, with the goal of preventing inadvertent exclusion and ensuring families are fully aware of available supports. Key terms like IEP (a personalized education plan for students with disabilities) and Section 504 plan (a plan that provides accommodations for students with disabilities) are used to outline the specific protections for military-connected children with disabilities. The bill aims to smooth the transition for military families by ensuring continuity of educational services when students change schools.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (59)
Rebecca Keltie (R)*,
Larry Liston (R)*,
Janice Marchman (D)*,
Matt Martinez (D)*,
Judy Amabile (D),
Jennifer Bacon (D),
Carlos Barron (R),
Shannon Bird (D),
Andrew Boesenecker (D),
Mary Bradfield (R),
Brandi Bradley (R),
Jarvis Caldwell (R),
Sean Camacho (D),
Chad Clifford (D),
James Coleman (D),
Lisa Cutter (D),
Monica Duran (D),
Tony Exum (D),
Meg Froelich (D),
Lorena García (D),
Lori Garcia Sander (R),
Lindsay Gilchrist (D),
Ryan Gonzalez (R),
Eliza Hamrick (D),
Tony Hartsook (R),
Nick Hinrichsen (D),
Jamie Jackson (D),
Iman Jodeh (D),
Dusty Johnson (R),
Junie Joseph (D),
Cathy Kipp (D),
Chris Kolker (D),
Sheila Lieder (D),
Mandy Lindsay (D),
William Lindstedt (D),
Meghan Lukens (D),
Javier Mabrey (D),
Bob Marshall (D),
Julie McCluskie (D),
Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D),
Kyle Mullica (D),
Byron Pelton (R),
Rose Pugliese (R),
Chris Richardson (R),
Dylan Roberts (D),
Robert Rodriguez (D),
Manny Rutinel (D),
Emily Sirota (D),
Marc Snyder (D),
Matt Soper (R),
Katie Stewart (D),
Tammy Story (D),
Larry Suckla (R),
Rick Taggart (R),
Ron Weinberg (R),
Michael Weissman (D),
Faith Winter (D),
Ty Winter (R),
Dan Woog (R),
Last Action
Governor Signed (on 04/17/2025)
Official Document
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