Report Title:

Special Education and Early Intervention Services; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for special education and early intervention services provided by private sector or county programs through a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, HRS.

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2138

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act provides that children with disabilities are entitled to receive a free and appropriate public education.  To the extent possible, children with special needs are to be provided with the same educational experiences as their non-disabled peers, and states are held accountable for ensuring that all children are afforded the opportunity to learn.

     Section 619 of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act implements the earlier landmark Public Law 94-142, known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which ensures a free and appropriate public education for individuals with disabilities that may include special education and related services in the least restrictive environment for children three years and one day up to five years of age with disabilities.  Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act directs states to provide early intervention services in the child's natural environment, which may include the child's home or other locations with the child's typically developing peers.  Those early intervention services, for infants and toddlers with disabilities from birth to age three, and their families, may include information and support to parents to increase their knowledge about and ability to support their child's development.

     Because of the complexity of the transition process for children from being a toddler or infant to being a preschool child, some eligible children may benefit from a longer transition period and continued services in the child's natural environment.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide funding for special education and early intervention services provided by the private sector or public programs other than the department of education.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for special education and early intervention services for children with disabilities provided by private sector or county programs.  The funds shall be expended as grants-in-aid to the various counties.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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