This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding the Division of Special Education within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). It introduces new provisions that allow the Division to assist individuals filing complaints against school districts or charter schools for violations of federal or state laws related to special education. Specifically, it mandates that the Division contact complainants for any incomplete complaints and requires ADE to post all investigative reports on its website within 60 days of completing an investigation. Additionally, the bill stipulates that these reports must be redacted to remove personally identifiable information and clarifies that they do not constitute student-level data.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for ADE to adopt and publish policies and procedures related to the complaint process, including provisions for public comment before these policies take effect. It also specifies the criteria under which a complaint may be designated as "does-not-qualify," ensuring that the process is transparent and protects student privacy. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the accountability and accessibility of the special education complaint process while ensuring compliance with existing laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-235, 15-235.01, 15-236, 15-766, 15-767
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-235, 15-235.01, 15-236, 15-766, 15-767