| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
SB 5775
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Changing special education provisions.
Sponsors: Senators Kauffman, Rasmussen, Zarelli, Berkey, Oemig, McAuliffe, Shin and Kohl-Welles.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/16/07
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
In 2004, Congress reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
(IDEA), the major federal law governing services for children and students with disabilities. The
IDEA was realigned with the goals and purposes of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, and a
number of changes in terminology were made. Washington State's special education laws and
administrative rules follow the federal laws closely, but the language and terminology in the
statutes may not have been changed for many years.
Summary of Bill:
Some of the language and terms in Washington State's special education laws are changed to
better align with the reauthorized federal IDEA. Examples include making consistent reference
to "students or children with disabilities" or "special education services;" removing outmoded
descriptions of disabling conditions; inserting references to the 2004 IDEA; updating references
to other sections in the special education code; and removing descriptions of procedures or
requirements that have been replaced in administrative rule by federally-prescribed procedures.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.