BILL NUMBER: S4951
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act providing that a student enrolled in an individualized education
program during certain school years may continue to receive educational
services until the student completes the services pursuant to the indi-
vidualized education program or the end of the school year during which
the student turns twenty-two years old, whichever is sooner; and provid-
ing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill ensures that students enrolled in an Individualized Education
Program (IEP) during specified school years can continue receiving
educational services until they complete their program or turn 22,
whichever comes first, with a sunset provision for expiration.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Requires school districts to provide educational services in
the 2025-2026 school year to students who turned 21 during the 2024-2025
school year and were receiving special education services under an Indi-
vidualized Education Program (IEP), allowing them to continue services
until program completion or the end of the school year in which they
turn 22, whichever is sooner.
Section 2: Establishes the effective and expiration date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill ensures continuity of educational services for students with
disabilities who aged out of the school system at 21 but still require
additional support to complete their Individualized Education Program
(IEP) goals. By allowing these students to remain eligible for services
until they turn 22 or complete their IEP, the bill helps address
disruptions in learning caused by factors such as the COV1D-19 pandemic,
ensures equitable access to necessary resources, and aligns with federal
protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), which emphasizes individualized support to help students transi-
tion successfully to adulthood.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and expire on June 30, 2026.