This bill aims to modernize and expand the definitions related to special education in state law. Key insertions include the definitions of "Bureau," referring to the bureau of special education support within the department of education, and "Acquired brain injury," which includes brain injuries occurring after birth that negatively impact a child's educational performance. The bill also introduces "Approved Educational environment," describing special education settings approved by the bureau, and adds the definition of "Specially designed instruction," aligning with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Additionally, the term "special education" is refined to specify "specially designed instruction," and the previous definition of "Related services" is replaced to ensure consistency with federal standards.

Furthermore, the bill amends current law regarding individualized education programs for students with visual impairments by replacing "functionally blind pupil" with "student with visual impairments." It establishes a presumption that proficiency in Braille is essential for these students' educational progress, mandating Braille instruction unless unanimously deemed inappropriate by the special education team. The bill also requires that Braille instruction be provided by a state-certified teacher and mandates an initial learning media assessment by a certified teacher, to be conducted every three years and reviewed annually. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:2
As Amended by the House: 186-C:2, 186-C:7-b
Version adopted by both bodies: 186-C:2, 186-C:7-b