HB22-1294 (Michelson Jenet & Young/Zenzinger & Gardner) Special Education Services in Charter Schools
Summary
This bill allows authorized charter schools to develop and administer an enrollment preference plan for children with disabilities. Through the use of these enrollment plans, charter schools must provide an appropriate, free public education in the least restrictive environment pursuant to the federal “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.” The bill specifies the criteria by which charter schools are required to abide if they participate in the administrative unit of the charter school network or collaborative.
Position
The Children’s Campaign supports this bill because it removes a key structural and legal barrier that has historically prevented charters from serving more students. If charter schools are allowed to work together to run special education programs independent of school districts, we believe they will be better able to serve students with special needs, and that more students will have access to the services they need to be successful.
Current Status
The bill passed its third reading in the House on a vote of 64-1.
Previous Status
March 25, 2022
The bill passed out of the House Education Committee on a vote of 9-0. It was referred, unamended, to the House Committee of the Whole. Government Affairs Director Riley Kitts testified in support.
