Senate Bill 852 proposes amendments to the reimbursement rates for special education costs and school age parents programs in Wisconsin. The bill changes the current reimbursement structure by establishing a new appropriation labeled as "a sum sufficient" for the payment of the full cost of special education for children in hospitals and convalescent homes. It specifies that in the 2025-26 school year, after covering these costs, the remaining eligible costs will be reimbursed at a rate of 42 percent. For the 2026-27 school year and each subsequent year, this reimbursement rate will increase to 45 percent.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language in the statutes regarding the use of funds appropriated for special education and school age parents programs. It removes the previous requirement that funds be used to distribute the full amount appropriated and instead sets specific reimbursement rates for eligible costs. This change aims to provide more predictable funding for school districts, independent charter schools, cooperative educational service agencies, and county children with disabilities education boards, ensuring they receive adequate support for special education services.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.255(2)(b), 20.255, 115.882