This bill establishes a new commission to study the costs associated with special education in public schools, as outlined in the newly inserted section 186-C:1-a of RSA 186-C. The commission will consist of various members, including representatives from the House and Senate, special education educators, and parent advocates, among others. Its primary focus will be to explore the financial implications of special education, including the reliance on local property taxes and specific revenue sources for state funding. The commission is tasked with examining multiple aspects of special education, such as student referral rates, the impact of COVID-19 on referrals, and the costs of services not deemed "medically necessary" by Medicaid.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision for the repeal of RSA 186-C:1-a, which pertains to the commission studying special education, effective July 1, 2026. The commission is required to report its findings and recommendations for proposed legislation to various stakeholders, with an initial report due by November 1, 2025, and a final report by July 1, 2026. The legislative members of the commission will receive mileage reimbursement for their duties, and the commission will elect its own chairperson and vice chairperson. The remainder of the act will take effect upon its passage, while the repeal will take effect in 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193-E:2-a
As Amended by the House: 186-C:1-a