Bill > SB1489

This bill mandates that the State Department of Education and public school districts fully comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law ensuring special education and related services for eligible children with disabilities. It clarifies that "children with disabilities" are those aged three to twenty-one who meet IDEA's definition, and allows federal funds to be used for these services. The bill also grants parents and legal guardians of children with disabilities specific rights, including the right to review all relevant documents at least five business days before meetings concerning their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or other accommodations, and the right to bring any chosen individual to these meetings. Furthermore, the Department is required to publish information on its website about dispute resolution options for parents, such as IEP facilitation, mediation, due process, and state complaint procedures. Additionally, the bill updates certification requirements for school principals to include professional education specifically focused on IDEA and related state laws, covering topics like federal and state regulations, procedural safeguards, child find obligations, IEP development, discipline of students with disabilities, and due process. The State Board of Education is empowered to create rules for approving professional education providers and courses related to these requirements, and this professional education can count towards certification renewal. The bill also updates statutory references and language to align with current laws and declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage and approval, with a general effective date of July 1, 2026.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1489&Session=2600