This bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana's education law to enhance the support and oversight of special education services. Key provisions include the requirement for school board member training to encompass special education policies, the establishment of a dispute resolution process for behavioral health services by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and the obligation for public school governing authorities to report annually to their special education advisory councils. Additionally, the bill extends the prescriptive period for special education due process hearings from one year to two years and allows BESE to create rules for an early resolution process for disputes, with enforceable written agreements.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that cameras be installed in special education classrooms within ninety days of a parental request, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in these settings. The amendments also include the requirement for local public school superintendents and charter school heads to provide detailed annual reports to their special education advisory councils, covering financial data, academic performance, and compliance with special education requirements. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the framework for special education in Louisiana, ensuring better training, reporting, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Statutes affected:
HB153 Original: 17:53(A)(3), 17:1(D), 17:1946(B)
HB153 Engrossed: 17:53(A)(3), 17:1(D), 17:1946(B)
HB153 Enrolled: 17:53(A)(3), 17:1(D), 17:1946(B)
HB153 Act : 17:53(A)(3), 17:1(D), 17:1946(B)