HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HJM 4020

Title: An act relating to special education students.

Brief Description: Requesting parental involvement with the education of special education students.

Sponsors: Representatives Wensman, Quall, Cox, Keiser, Talcott, Rockefeller, Thomas, Haigh, Carlson, Schindler, D. Schmidt, Sump, Mulliken, Benson, Barlean, H. Sommers, Pennington, Lisk, Dunn, Delvin, McDonald, Schual‑Berke, O'Brien and Esser.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date: January 24, 2000

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:  More than 115,000 of Washington's children receive one or more special education services.  Children from birth to age twenty-one are entitled to receive these services if they have a disability that has an adverse educational impact and if they need specially designed instruction to mitigate the adverse impacts.   During the 1999-2001 biennium, Washington has budgeted $933,656,000 for special education programs.  About 84 percent of those funds are provided from the state general fund.   Special education services are based on four key concepts.  Special education students are entitled to a free and appropriate public education, provided through the least restrictive environment, under the guidance of an individual education program.  In addition, the students are entitled to procedural safeguards and due process to protect their rights.  These concepts are embodied in state and federal special education laws.  The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has incorporated federal regulations on special education into the state rules governing the programs.  The office provides but does not require the use of model reporting forms.

Summary:  The Legislature asks Congress to pass and the President to approve legislation that will modify the paperwork requirements for special education students.  The parents and teachers of the children will determine the appropriate amount and type of paperwork needed to protect the students while helping them achieve their academic goals.  The memorial lists the reasons that additional paperwork is unnecessary.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.