Substitute Senate Bill No. 1244 aims to improve special education services in local and regional school districts by establishing a standardized methodology for calculating tuition and related fees charged by private special education providers. By July 1, 2026, the Department of Education (SDE) is mandated to develop and publish a tuition rate and fee schedule, which will be updated annually. Starting July 1, 2027, all contracts between school boards and private providers must comply with this established schedule. The bill also requires that these agreements include detailed explanations of cost calculations and mandates regular reporting and oversight of the services provided. Additionally, school boards will be required to review and report their special education spending to the SDE every five years, beginning June 30, 2026.

The bill further introduces a competitive grant program, effective from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, to support in-district or regionalized 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 improving access to quality education. The Commissioner of Education will oversee the application process and establish criteria for grant approval, prioritizing projects that foster collaboration among educational entities. Grant recipients will be required to submit annual reports starting September 30, 2027, to assess the impact of the funding on student outcomes and district expenditures. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of special education services while managing costs for school boards.

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