The proposed bill establishes the "Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Act," which aims to provide inclusive educational opportunities for students with disabilities, specifically those aged 18 to 21, and up to 22 in certain cases. This legislation allows these students to audit and participate in state colleges and universities, including options for continuing education, credit and noncredit courses, and the development of independent living and employment skills.

The bill outlines that participation in these programs will be considered an approved expense under special education services, and it emphasizes the importance of inclusive educational environments for students with severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and other severe developmental disabilities.

Additionally, the bill specifies that students with disabilities will not be required to meet certain academic prerequisites, such as standardized college entrance tests, high school diploma requirements, minimum academic course requirements, minimum GPA requirements, or passing scores on statewide assessment tests, to access higher education opportunities.

It mandates that public institutions of higher education provide inclusive access to academic and non-academic activities while ensuring that individual supports are available. The legislation also includes provisions for annual reporting on the participation and outcomes of students with disabilities in higher education, which will include data on demographics, courses taken, extracurricular activities, and employment outcomes.

The act will take effect upon passage.