House Bill No. introduced by D. Bedey aims to revise laws concerning educational programs for eligible children receiving in-state inpatient treatment for serious emotional disturbances. The bill clarifies tuition calculations for these children and the rulemaking authority of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Key amendments include the addition of language regarding the calculation and distribution of funds under specific circumstances, as well as the responsibilities of various facilities and schools in providing educational opportunities. The bill also stipulates that the Superintendent may contract with qualifying facilities to provide educational programs and requires these facilities to report on the academic progress of each eligible child.

Additionally, the bill outlines the funding structure for educational programs, specifying that the Superintendent will establish a daily rate for each child based on actual costs, while the child's school district of residence will contribute a portion of the tuition. It prohibits charging supplemental fees beyond those authorized and provides options for the Superintendent to ensure educational opportunities if a qualifying facility fails to meet its obligations. The bill deletes a provision that allowed the Superintendent to distribute funds to public school districts for supporting educational programs for children with significant needs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-7-419, 20-7-435
HB0669_1(1): 20-7-419, 20-7-435
HB0669_1(2): 20-7-419, 20-7-435
HB0669_1(3): 20-7-419, 20-7-435
HB0669_1(4): 20-7-419, 20-7-435
HB0669_1: 20-7-419, 20-7-435