House Bill 861, sponsored by McCalmon, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the notification and information requirements for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) regarding Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. The bill mandates that LEAs notify parents or guardians at least ten calendar days before an IEP meeting, ensuring they have the opportunity to attend unless a mutual agreement for an earlier meeting is reached. Additionally, it requires LEAs to provide parents or guardians with all evaluations and assessments related to the student’s IEP at least forty-eight hours prior to the meeting. If a draft IEP is created before the meeting, a copy must also be provided unless the parent or guardian opts out in writing more than forty-eight hours in advance.

This legislation aims to improve communication and involvement of parents or guardians in the special education process, thereby fostering a more collaborative environment for developing IEPs. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of timely and transparent communication between LEAs and families.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-10-103