This bill aims to modernize and broaden the definitions related to special education within state law. Key insertions include new definitions for terms such as "Bureau," "Acquired brain injury," "Approved Educational environment," "Specially designed instruction," and "Special education information system." It also revises the definition of "Child with a disability" to encompass individuals aged 18 to 21 who were previously identified as having a disability and received services under an individualized education program (IEP) before exiting school. Additionally, the term "developmentally delayed child" is introduced for children aged 3 to less than 10 who require special education due to developmental impairments. The bill also removes the phrase "that has been approved by the state board of education" from the definition of "Approved program" and updates the terminology from "Functionally Blind Pupils" to "Students with Visual Impairments."

Furthermore, the bill HB 699 specifically addresses the development of individualized education programs for students with visual impairments. It establishes a presumption that proficiency in Braille is crucial for the educational advancement of these students, mandating that all students with visual impairments receive Braille instruction unless a unanimous decision by the special education team deems it inappropriate. The bill requires that Braille instruction be delivered 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, ensuring that the legal framework governing special education services is both current and comprehensive.

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