The bill, HB 1563-FN-LOCAL, amends the special education aid formula and the administration of state special education aid to alleviate the administrative burden on school districts and expedite reimbursements. It mandates that the Department of Education distribute aid for special education costs exceeding 2.5 times the state average expenditure per pupil, introducing specific thresholds for district and state liabilities. New legal language specifies the responsibilities of school districts and the Department of Education in covering these costs, while also establishing that districts must submit certified reports for reimbursement requests. The bill replaces previous provisions with a more structured approach to calculating costs, enhancing clarity and accountability in the distribution of special education aid.

Additionally, the bill requires school districts to demonstrate the maximization of other revenue sources, such as Medicaid and private insurance, and to provide documentation if these sources are unavailable. It mandates certified reports for each student claiming reimbursement, detailing services provided and eligible expenditures, with the superintendent certifying the accuracy of this information linked to each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). A risk-based monitoring program will be implemented to verify reimbursement claims, including annual reviews and targeted assessments based on risk indicators. The bill also allows for adjustments to reimbursement amounts based on monitoring findings and outlines the process for recouping overpayments, with an effective date set for July 1, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:18
As Amended by the House: 186-C:18
As Amended by the House (2nd): 186-C:18
Version adopted by both bodies: 186-C:18
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 186-C:18
HB1563 text: 186-C:18