BILL REQ. #:  H-4640.1 

Read first time 02/04/2004.   Referred to Committee on Appropriations.

     AN ACT Relating to service delivery standards for special education students; and amending RCW 28A.150.390.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 28A.150.390 and 1995 c 77 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The superintendent of public instruction shall submit to each regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year a programmed budget request for special education programs for students with disabilities. ((Funding for programs operated by local school districts shall be on an excess cost basis from appropriations provided by the legislature for special education programs for students with disabilities and shall take account of state funds accruing through RCW 28A.150.250, 28A.150.260, federal medical assistance and private funds accruing under RCW 74.09.5249 through 74.09.5253 and 74.09.5254 through 74.09.5256, and other state and local funds, excluding special excess levies.)) To determine the budget request, the superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with school districts, shall: (1) Design a verifiable funding formula that meets service delivery standards that address the special education obligations of school districts; and (2) adopt service delivery standards. The formula shall align the amount of funding requested of the state with the policy expectations, goals, and legal obligations established under the individuals with disabilities education act and chapter 28A.155 RCW. The formula shall be based on degree of student need of the students in each school district who qualify for state funding for special education services.