Bill > PR26-0296

This resolution declares an emergency to address the provision of special education services for young adults in the custody of the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC). The resolution acknowledges that incarcerated individuals aged 18 and older who have disabilities are legally entitled to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Historically, Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools had provided these services under a temporary charter authorization that expired after the 2022-2023 school year. To ensure continuity of special education services for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, the resolution extends DOC's designation as the responsible agency for providing FAPE to eligible individuals in its custody, with the understanding that DOC will continue to contract with Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools. The emergency legislation is necessary to prevent any disruption in special education and related services for incarcerated students with disabilities, while permanent legislative solutions are still being discussed by relevant agencies. The Council determines that these circumstances warrant adopting the emergency amendment after a single reading, with the resolution taking effect immediately upon passage.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/PR26-0296