This bill amends New Hampshire's special education laws, specifically RSA 186-C:2, by introducing new definitions and modifying existing ones to enhance clarity and comprehensiveness. Key insertions include the terms "Bureau," referring to the bureau of special education support, "Acquired brain injury," which describes brain injuries affecting educational performance, and "Approved educational environment," denoting special education settings approved by the Bureau. The bill also changes the term "special education" to "specially designed instruction" to better reflect the tailored approach necessary for children with disabilities. Additionally, it removes outdated references to "approved programs" and expands the definition to encompass various educational settings, including chartered public schools and private providers.

Moreover, the bill introduces significant changes regarding the education of students with visual impairments, defining "specially designed instruction" in line with the Individuals with Disabilities Act and establishing a "special education information system" for data reporting. It broadens the definition of "parent" to include various guardianship scenarios and amends the terminology from "functionally blind pupils" to "students with visual impairments." The bill emphasizes the importance of Braille instruction, mandating that it be provided to all students with visual impairments unless a consensus is reached that it is not appropriate. It also requires that such instruction be delivered by state-certified teachers and includes provisions for regular assessments of students' learning media needs. 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
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 186-C:2, 186-C:7-b