Bill > S2864

This bill establishes a special commission to conduct a comprehensive study on special education funding and service delivery in Massachusetts, with the goal of improving the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education programs. The commission will be composed of 17 members, including legislative representatives, education administrators, school committee members, parent representatives, and union representatives, and will be tasked with examining the current special education financing structure and making recommendations to achieve several key objectives. These objectives include ensuring sufficient funding for high-quality education, recognizing the varying resources needed for students with different disabilities, providing equitable funding based on district needs and local resources, promoting funding stability, preventing misdiagnosis, encouraging innovation, limiting local financial responsibility for extraordinary educational needs, and ensuring adequate transportation reimbursement. The commission is required to conduct at least four public hearings across different regions of the state, consult with the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, and submit a comprehensive report by June 30, 2027. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to modify existing law by increasing special education reimbursement thresholds from 75% to 80% and explicitly stating that transportation costs shall be reimbursed at 80%. The bill also includes safeguards to address potential conflicts of interest for commission members employed by school districts.

Budget and Finance

Committee on Education (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2864