The bill amends provisions related to special education funding in South Dakota, specifically addressing the calculation of local effort and local need. It stipulates that if local effort increases at a greater percentage than local need on a statewide basis from one year to the next, the local effort levy must be reduced proportionally to ensure that both increases align. Additionally, the bill updates definitions and calculations related to special education funding, including the definitions of disabilities and the method for determining local need, which now includes specific allocations for students with various levels of disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill allows up to fifteen percent of the local need to be allocated for developing and implementing coordinated early intervening services for students who are not currently identified as needing special education but require additional support to succeed in a general education environment. This includes professional development for educators and providing necessary evaluations and interventions. The amendments aim to enhance the support for students with disabilities and improve the overall effectiveness of special education funding in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/20/2026: 13-37-16.2, 13-37-35.1, 13-37-55