Bill > H393

This bill aims to improve procurement procedures for services related to special education, ensuring better opportunities for students with disabilities. Specifically, it mandates that the operational services division establish a subsequent year price for contractors providing goods or services for special education programs within the commonwealth by adding a per-student annual adjustment to the current authorized price. This adjustment will be calculated by multiplying the current price by a percentage factor determined annually by the division, with the percentage reflecting the actual cost structure of these programs. Furthermore, the division of purchased services within the department of procurement will create rules and regulations for pricing programs approved under chapter 71B of the General Laws, with the goal of encouraging the recruitment and retention of direct care staff and enhancing instructional resources. These regulations will include a pricing mechanism allowing approved programs to apply for salary and benefit increases for their staff, aiming to match public school or agency compensation and reduce staff turnover, as well as addressing upgrades to instructional resources approved by the department of elementary and secondary education. The department of elementary and secondary education will also review program facilities, materials, and technology during evaluations and recommend pricing adjustments for necessary upgrades. Importantly, the division's pricing mechanisms will not be based on out-of-state or prior year revenues, and price adjustments will not be delayed beyond 90 days, with private special education programs required to notify purchasers of their intent to apply for salary and benefit upgrades by October 1 for the following fiscal year.