Substitute House Bill No. 7076 proposes significant amendments to existing education laws, primarily focusing on early childhood education and special education services. The bill allows local or regional boards of education to adopt an early admission policy for children under five, contingent upon a written request from a parent or guardian and an assessment by school staff. Additionally, it modifies the definition of "child" in special education, changing the eligibility age from twenty-two to twenty-one, and clarifies that the obligation to provide special education services ends when a child turns twenty-one. The bill also mandates that planning and placement teams notify relevant state agencies about potential eligibility for adult programs two years before a child's anticipated graduation, and it requires local boards to draft a bill of rights for parents of children receiving special education services.

Moreover, the bill addresses racial imbalances in public schools by extending the deadline for school boards to submit corrective plans until July 1, 2029, and it delays the enforcement of certain racial imbalance requirements. It also introduces a student success plan for public school students from grade six, ensuring access to realistic postgraduation goals and state agency programs. The effective date for most provisions is July 1, 2026, with specific provisions related to racial imbalance effective July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational opportunities for children, particularly those with special needs, while reducing bureaucratic burdens on schools and families.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-15c, 10-95p, 10-226b, 10-226c, 10-226d, 10-234gg
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-15c, 10-95p, 10-226b, 10-226c, 10-226d, 10-234gg
File No. 621: 10-15c, 10-95p, 10-226b, 10-226c, 10-226d, 10-234gg