Bill > B26-0348

This bill amends existing District of Columbia laws to require the Department of Corrections to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to individuals with disabilities who are in its custody and detained in secure facilities during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. FAPE, a term from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensures that students with disabilities receive specialized educational services tailored to their individual needs. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Department of Corrections provide educational services to eligible individuals from age 18 through the end of their FAPE eligibility period under IDEA and District law. The bill makes technical amendments to two existing laws, adding this educational requirement as a new paragraph to each, and is structured as an emergency act that will remain in effect for 90 days after approval by the Mayor. This legislation aims to ensure that young adults with disabilities who are in the custody of the Department of Corrections continue to receive appropriate educational support during their detention.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0348