Bill > H670

This bill makes several changes to special education finance and oversight in Massachusetts. First, it modifies Chapter 70B to prioritize school construction projects that create space for in-district special education programs and services, and instructs the school building authority to award incentive points for such projects. Second, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for private special education schools, mandating that they file annual financial reports and independent audits with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state auditor, including detailed disclosures about transactions, employee compensation, administrative expenses, and program costs. Third, it allows the Department of Early Education and Care and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to share data only for residential programs approved by both departments. Finally, the bill requires the Secretary of Education to conduct a comprehensive study on the oversight of Approved Massachusetts Day and Residential Private Special Education Programs (Chapter 766 schools), examining best practices for licensing, monitoring, data collection, and service provision. The study will involve consulting with various stakeholders and must result in a report with recommendations to be filed within 12 months of the act's passage.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H670