Compare Bills

Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Education - K-12, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-04-10

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates a new grant program allowing school districts to apply for state funding to cover extraordinary costs of educating students with disabilities, including placements in private schools. The state will reimburse 75% of qualifying costs for students whose total service costs exceed four times the state average per-pupil spending on special education, and requires annual monitoring reports on homebound, modified day, and hospital placements.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill helps school districts serve students with the most significant disabilities and complex needs by providing dedicated funding for expensive specialized services and placements.
• •They contend it reduces reliance on restrictive settings like homebound instruction by making it financially feasible for districts to place students in appropriate private school programs, while the annual reporting requirement improves oversight and accountability for student placements.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue the $1 million appropriation may be insufficient to meet actual demand across the state's school districts, potentially creating a competitive grant process that doesn't help all eligible students.
• •They might also express concern that expanding private school placements could reduce public school resources for students with disabilities, or worry that the 75% reimbursement rate leaves districts responsible for significant costs that strain local budgets.