This bill establishes the Office of the Special Education Ombud, an independent state office that will serve as a resource for students, parents, guardians, and custodians of students with disabilities. The office will ensure compliance with individualized education programs (IEPs) and related services for students with disabilities. The ombud may also monitor and investigate administrative action by the Rhode Island Department of Education related to special education services. The bill also provides definitions for terms used in the chapter, including "504 Plan," "administrative action," "department," "guardian," "office," "state special education ombud," and "student." The special education ombud will be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, for a term of five years. The appointment will be made from a list of at least three individuals submitted by a committee consisting of representatives from various organizations involved in special education.

This bill adds new legal language to current law regarding the organization and powers of the state special education ombud. The bill specifies that the committee responsible for selecting the ombud must include a representative from the disabilities council and the child advocate. The bill also requires committee members to have knowledge of federal and state special education law, civil rights, and experience with individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. The bill also outlines the powers and duties of the state special education ombud, including monitoring the complaint and dispute resolution processes, investigating administrative acts related to special education services, assisting students and guardians in protecting educational rights, and investigating special education-related actions taken by local education agencies or schools. The ombud is also authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for receiving and processing complaints, conducting investigations, and reporting findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The office of the ombud is required to inform students and guardians about special education resources, ensure timely access to services, identify patterns of concerns and recommend improvements, collaborate with the department and local education agencies, collect and analyze data, and provide training to staff and contractors. The ombud is also responsible for analyzing and monitoring laws, rules, and policies related to special education services, recommending changes, facilitating public comment, and providing information and recommendations to agencies, legislators, and other stakeholders. The bill also requires the office to submit an annual report to the governor and general assembly.