Substitute Bill No. 7277 proposes significant amendments to Connecticut's special education laws, focusing on enhancing definitions, regulations, and oversight of special education services. The bill repeals Section 10-76a, replacing it with updated definitions for terms such as "exceptional child" and "child requiring special education," while also raising the age limit for special education eligibility from five to eight years old. It introduces new terms like "charging entity" and "provider of special education transportation services" to clarify stakeholder roles. Additionally, the bill mandates the Office of Policy and Management, in collaboration with the Department of Education, to analyze tuition and fees for special education services, leading to the establishment of a biennial rate schedule for direct services, including therapies.

The bill also implements various measures to improve accountability and transparency in special education funding and services. It prohibits charging entities from increasing fees to local education boards without demonstrating substantial cost increases, and it establishes a special education offset grant program to support local boards based on their needs. Furthermore, the bill introduces a special education transportation grant program, appropriating $50 million for transportation costs, and mandates annual reporting on expenditures. It emphasizes the importance of compliance with established rate schedules and outlines new licensure standards for private providers, ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to regulations that promote the effective delivery of special education services. Overall, Substitute Bill No. 7277 aims to create a more structured and accountable framework for special education in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-76a, 10-285a, 10-74u, 10-232a, 10-76d, 2-137, 10-76mm, 10-76b, 10-91j
SED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-76a, 10-285a, 10-74u, 10-232a, 10-76d, 2-137, 10-76mm, 10-91j
File No. 920: 10-76a, 10-285a, 10-232a, 10-76d, 2-137, 10-76mm, 10-91j
APP Joint Favorable: 10-76a, 10-285a, 10-74u, 10-232a, 10-76d, 2-137, 10-76mm, 10-91j