BILL NUMBER: S7826
SPONSOR: FAHY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to directing school
districts to establish parent advisory councils on special education
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Requires school districts to create special education advisory councils
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 4402 by adding a new subdivision directing all
school districts to create parent advisory councils on special educa-
tion.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs) are organized groups
of parents and guardians of children who receive special education
services. These groups provide a space for parents to discuss gaps in
the services provided by the school district, what the district could do
to improve the quality of education being provided, and to assist each
other with navigating the complex web of special education services.
Only a few school districts in New York have SEPACs; for instance, the
New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and Addison City School
Districts. Considering 21% of students in public schools in NYS are
enrolled in special education services, the highest of any state, it is
essential that these organizations be available to parents and guardians
of children receiving special education services across all school
districts.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Effective immediately.

Statutes affected:
S7826: 4402 education law