Bill > S87

This bill aims to ensure children with disabilities have equal access to necessary evaluations by requiring the secretary of health and human services to establish specific rates for independent evaluations, ensuring these rates are sufficient for qualified evaluators to determine the full extent of a child's disability and educational needs, covering various assessment methods and reporting. It also clarifies that "educational assessments" in existing law will now be referred to as "independent evaluations" and mandates that these evaluations be conducted by licensed professionals. Furthermore, parents or guardians who are successful in hearings before the bureau of special education appeals (BSEA), a body that handles disputes regarding special education services, will be entitled to reasonable expert fees and costs, providing further support for families advocating for their children's educational rights.