Bill > HB2304

This bill establishes comprehensive written parental consent requirements for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which are educational plans for students with disabilities. The bill mandates that local educational agencies (LEAs) obtain explicit written consent from parents before making any significant changes to a student's IEP, including initial placement, placement changes, service removals, or substantial service minute adjustments. The legislation requires LEAs to maintain documentation of parental consent and provides a structured process for resolving disagreements, including options like facilitated meetings, mediation, and due process hearings. If parents and LEAs cannot immediately agree, they can create an interim IEP with agreed-upon elements and set a timeline for resolving remaining disputes. The bill also grants parents the right to visit proposed educational programs before consenting to changes and requires the state education department to create a standardized consent form in the parent's native language, with clear options to fully consent, partially consent, or decline. Importantly, the bill does not remove existing parental rights under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and will become effective on July 1, 2027, giving educational agencies time to prepare for implementation.

Education

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2304&year=2026&code=R