House Bill No. 2247, introduced by Waldron, mandates the State Department of Education to develop standards aimed at implementing the least restrictive environment requirements as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This initiative is designed to ensure that students with special needs are not unnecessarily excluded from classroom settings. The new legal language will be codified as Section 13-101A of Title 70 in the Oklahoma Statutes.

The bill also includes a provision for its effective date, which is set for November 1, 2025. This legislation reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students with disabilities by promoting inclusivity within the classroom environment.