Bill > HB2621

This bill aims to improve access to special education services for children residing in unorganized territories, which are areas outside of any school district. It establishes procedures for parents or guardians to request screenings, evaluations, or enrollment for their children, and clarifies that the contacted school district is responsible for these services, including providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) if the child has a disability. The bill also outlines a process for transitioning children from early intervention services (Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA) to special education services (Part B of IDEA) by requiring early intervention programs to contact county school superintendents when a child is around 30 months old, who will then assign an adjoining school district to conduct an evaluation before the child's third birthday. If a child is found eligible for special education, the assigned district must offer FAPE, and if not eligible but a preschooler, the district has no further obligation unless the child seeks to enroll later. The bill also addresses the rights of children in unorganized territories who are parentally placed in private schools or homeschooled, ensuring they can still be evaluated and receive equitable services. It also makes technical amendments to existing statutes related to the admission of pupils from other districts, certificates of educational convenience, and financial provisions for school districts, ensuring consistency with the new provisions for unorganized territories and special education.

Education

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84431