House Bill No. 5001, also known as Public Act No. 25-67, seeks to improve the quality and delivery of special education services in Connecticut, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. The bill repeals and replaces Section 10-76a of the general statutes, introducing new definitions such as "charging entity" and "provider of special education transportation services." It modifies the age range for "a child requiring special education" from ages three to five to ages three to eight and establishes a framework for regulating costs associated with special education services. Notably, charging entities are prohibited from increasing charges for services under an individualized education program unless there is a change in services, and the Department of Education is tasked with creating a rate schedule for related services by January 1, 2028.

The bill also introduces new requirements for local and regional boards of education, including annual expenditure reports and a mandate to maintain special education funding levels. It establishes new licensure standards for private providers, requires audits of special education programs, and outlines the process for transferring students between schools. Additionally, it mandates the development of a user-friendly individualized education program (IEP) form and the publication of special education data on the Department of Education's website. The bill includes provisions for training hearing officers, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, and enhancing accountability in special education services. Overall, House Bill No. 5001 aims to create a more structured and effective framework for special education in Connecticut, ensuring better oversight, funding, and service delivery.

Statutes affected:
Public Act No. 25-67: 10-76a, 10-262j, 10-74u, 10-76d, 2-137, 10-76mm, 10-91j