Bill > H883

This bill establishes a new grant program at the Department of Public Instruction to help local school administrative units cover extraordinary costs for students with disabilities, beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Local schools can apply for funds from the Special State Reserve Fund (SSRF) to support students with disabilities, particularly for placements in private schools with approved special education programs that align with a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). To qualify, a school must demonstrate that the total service costs exceed four times the state's average per-pupil expenditure for children with disabilities. The program will reimburse 75% of extraordinary costs, which include specific expenses like educational personnel salaries, specialized materials, tuition, and consultants directly related to a student's educational needs. The bill also requires the Department of Public Instruction to ensure that private schools receiving these funds adhere to state and federal disability education laws, and mandates that local school units remain legally responsible for the student's education. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1 million in recurring funds for the program and requires the Department to submit a detailed report on grant applications, awarded funds, and placement types by March 15, 2026. The bill also expands annual reporting requirements to include more detailed monthly monitoring of students with disabilities, tracking various placement types such as homebound, modified day, and residential placements.

Education

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H883