Substitute Senate Bill No. 1244 seeks to improve special education services by instituting a standardized method for calculating tuition and related fees charged by private providers to local or regional boards of education. By July 1, 2026, the Department of Education (SDE) is tasked with developing and publishing this methodology online. Starting July 1, 2027, all contracts between boards of education and private providers must comply with the newly established tuition rate schedule, replacing the previous requirement for contracts to include an explanation of how tuition or costs are calculated. Additionally, the bill mandates that local and regional boards conduct a comprehensive review of their special education spending every five years and submit reports to the Commissioner of Education.

The bill also introduces a competitive grant program, effective from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, to support in-district or regional programming for students with disabilities. Local and regional boards of education can apply for these grants to enhance existing programs or fund new initiatives aimed at students currently placed out-of-district. The Commissioner of Education will oversee the application process and establish criteria for grant approval, focusing on improving access to quality education for students with intensive needs. Furthermore, school boards receiving grants will be required to report annually on the impact of these grants on student outcomes and district expenditures, with the Department of Education providing updates to the General Assembly.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 10-91j
ED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-91j
APP Joint Favorable: 10-91j
File No. 848: 10-91j