Connecticut House Bill HB05135

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/15
• Refer: 1/9/15

Caption

An Act Eliminating The Deadline For When Boards Of Education May Apply For State Grants For Additional Special Education Children And Costs.

Impact

The elimination of the deadline for grant applications for special education will likely have a significant positive impact on local educational agencies. By allowing schools to seek financial support after the specified deadline, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on districts that receive students with special needs throughout the school year. This measure is particularly beneficial for districts that frequently experience student mobility, as it can help them meet the educational needs of students who move into their districts later in the academic year.

Summary

House Bill 05135 seeks to amend existing statutes regarding special education funding by eliminating the March 1st deadline for boards of education to apply for state grants related to additional special education children and the associated costs. This legislative change aims to provide greater flexibility for school districts to receive funding for students who may enroll after the original grant application deadline, thereby ensuring that educational resources are available to all students regardless of when they enter the system.

Contention

While the intent of HB 05135 is to support districts facing unexpected costs associated with special education, notable contention may arise around potential budgetary implications. Questions regarding the state’s capacity to fund these additional grants may surface, with concerns about whether eliminating the deadline could lead to increased financial burden on the state education budget. Some stakeholders might argue that without a limit, there could be a surge in applications that could strain state resources, necessitating careful monitoring and potential adjustments in funding mechanisms.