The bill amends Kansas law to enhance the state's special education funding framework by broadening the definition of "special teacher" to include third-party contractors who provide special education services to school districts. This change allows for state reimbursement for these contracted teachers who deliver services to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The bill also specifies that school districts will receive 80% reimbursement for actual travel expenses incurred by special teachers, as well as transportation and maintenance costs for exceptional children when they are not residing at home.

Additionally, the bill mandates a minimum appropriation of $601,018,818 from the state general fund for special education services in fiscal year 2025 and establishes a distribution schedule to ensure equitable state aid among school districts based on their excess costs. It creates a special education fund in each school district to manage all funds related to special education, while also repealing existing sections of K.S.A. 72-3404 and 72-3422 to update the legal framework governing special education funding. The act will take effect upon its publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-3404, 72-3422, 72-3412