This bill aims to provide funding for school districts in Washington to conduct an increased number of special education eligibility determinations and to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) for eligible students. It recognizes the challenges faced by school districts in conducting timely evaluations and IEP development, particularly during summer breaks, which can lead to delays in providing necessary services to students. The legislation proposes reimbursements of up to $3,000 per eligible student for initial evaluations and IEP development activities conducted during the summer months of July through September for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Additionally, it expands the uses of the special education safety net to cover these activities.

The bill also amends existing law to include provisions for safety net awards for districts that demonstrate extraordinary costs associated with conducting high numbers of initial evaluations and developing IEPs. It establishes a framework for the office of the superintendent of public instruction to implement these reimbursements and requires reporting on the effectiveness of the funding. The bill includes a sunset provision, stating that the new section will expire on June 30, 2026, and specifies that if funding is not provided by June 30, 2023, the act will be null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.392
Substitute Bill: 28A.150.392