Assembly Bill 859 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 method described as "a sum sufficient" for covering the full costs of special education for children in hospitals and convalescent homes. Specifically, it stipulates that in the 2025-26 school year, after these costs are covered, 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 legal language in the statutes regarding the payment of state aid and reimbursement rates. It removes the previous requirement that funds be distributed to cover the full amount appropriated and instead sets specific reimbursement percentages for eligible costs under various sections of the law. This change aims to provide more predictable funding for school districts, independent charter schools, and other educational entities involved in special education and related services.

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