Substitute House Bill No. 7219 aims to strengthen protections for students with disabilities in Connecticut by ensuring compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The bill defines key terms such as "qualified student with a disability" and mandates that local and regional boards of education provide equal opportunities and benefits to these students, ensuring they are not discriminated against in educational programs or activities. It requires school boards to submit annual assurances of compliance and to designate a coordinator responsible for overseeing adherence to the new regulations. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment, ensuring that students with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers whenever possible.

The legislation also outlines specific responsibilities for school boards, including the identification and location of students with disabilities not receiving public education, and the establishment of grievance procedures for addressing discrimination complaints. It mandates that evaluations for special education services be conducted fairly and inclusively, and it prohibits discrimination in nonacademic and extracurricular activities. The bill aligns state law with federal regulations, reinforcing the commitment to inclusivity and equal access in educational settings. Overall, sHB7219 seeks to enhance the educational rights of students with disabilities while ensuring compliance with existing federal and state laws.