General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7277 proposes comprehensive amendments to the laws governing special education services in Connecticut, focusing on enhancing oversight, accountability, and funding mechanisms. The bill repeals Section 10-76a and introduces new definitions, including "charging entity" and "unilateral placement," while clarifying terms related to extraordinary learning abilities. It mandates the Office of Policy and Management, in collaboration with the Department of Education, to analyze tuition rates for special education services and establish a universal rate schedule by January 1, 2026. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of local and regional boards of education regarding expenditures for special education, ensuring compliance with the new rate schedule and introducing penalties for non-compliance.

Additionally, the bill establishes a special education transportation grant program, a competitive grant program for special education programming, and mandates the development of a comprehensive list of available special education programs. It emphasizes the need for documentation and oversight of private providers, including criminal history checks for employees and annual audits of special education programs. The bill also introduces new procedural requirements for administrative hearings related to special education disputes, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process. Overall, Raised Bill No. 7277 aims to improve the quality and accessibility of special education services while ensuring that funding is used effectively and in compliance with established guidelines.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-76a, 10-285a, 10-74u, 10-232a, 10-76d, 2-137, 10-76mm, 10-76b, 10-91j