Substitute Bill No. 1561 aims to enhance special education services in Connecticut by introducing new definitions, frameworks, and financial structures. Key changes include the repeal of Section 10-76a, replaced with definitions such as "charging entity" and "unilateral placement," and an increase in the age limit for special education eligibility from five to eight years. 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. Additionally, it prohibits charging entities from exceeding these rates and outlines penalties for noncompliance, including ineligibility for reimbursement and restrictions on accepting new students.

The bill also introduces a special education offset grant for local boards of education, calculated based on various factors, and establishes a transportation grant program to reimburse boards for special education-related transportation costs. It emphasizes accountability by requiring local boards to report on special education placements and mandates the development of a state-wide workload analysis model for educators. Furthermore, the bill enhances oversight of private providers, including new licensure standards and compliance requirements, while also addressing behavioral health support for students with special needs. Overall, Substitute Bill No. 1561 seeks to improve the quality, accessibility, and financial management of special education services in the state.

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. 918: 10-76a, 10-285a, 10-232a, 10-76d, 2-137, 10-76mm, 10-91j
ED Joint Favorable: 10-76a, 10-285a, 10-74u, 10-232a, 10-76d, 2-137, 10-76mm, 10-91j