Bill > SB01561

This bill introduces comprehensive reforms to special education resources and services in Connecticut. It establishes a new framework for managing special education costs, including creating a rate schedule for direct services provided through individualized education programs, limiting tuition increases for special education providers, and implementing new reporting and accountability measures. The bill mandates the Office of Policy and Management to collect and analyze information about special education service costs, develop a rate schedule for therapy services, and restrict how much providers can charge local school boards. Additionally, the bill introduces several new support mechanisms, such as a special education transportation grant program, a competitive grant for in-district special education programming, and requirements for local school districts to hire instructional support teachers specifically focused on supporting students with disabilities. The legislation also creates an Office of the Educational Ombudsperson to help resolve educational complaints, requires more transparent reporting of special education placements and costs, and mandates additional training and oversight for special education providers. Other notable provisions include developing a more user-friendly individualized education program form, conducting studies on special education workload and behavioral health interventions, and establishing special education support license plates to help fund special education offset grants.

Education

Select Committee on Special Education

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01561&which_year=2025