The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7218 aims to make technical changes to the special education statutes in Connecticut. Specifically, it proposes to repeal and replace subdivision (4) of section 10-76a of the general statutes, which defines "special education." The new definition emphasizes that special education consists of specially designed instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities, and it must be developed in accordance with the regulations set by the commissioner and approved by the State Board of Education. This instruction is to be provided at no cost to parents or guardians and can occur in various settings, including classrooms, homes, hospitals, and institutions.
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the changes are intended to clarify and update the language surrounding special education services. The proposed deletions and insertions in the legal text are aimed at ensuring that the definition aligns with current practices and regulations, thereby enhancing the understanding and implementation of special education in the state.