Bill > A07240

This bill modifies educational program determination procedures specifically for school districts in cities with populations over one million (which effectively means New York City). The bill establishes new provisions for how special education appeals and tuition payments are handled. Key changes include requiring that appeals by parents regarding special education recommendations be resolved through specific mechanisms like impartial hearings, state review, or settlement agreements, with strict timelines for implementation. If a school district fails to comply with a settlement or hearing decision, the Commissioner of Education is empowered to take significant punitive actions, such as withholding state funding, imposing interest penalties, reporting non-compliance to federal education authorities, or taking other appropriate actions. Additionally, the bill stipulates that when a unilateral parental placement for a special education student is approved, the tuition and service payment arrangement can continue in subsequent years at the same rate until the Committee on Special Education determines the child's needs can be met differently. These provisions aim to provide more robust protections and clearer processes for parents seeking appropriate educational programs for students with special needs in New York City's school system.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7240