Connecticut House Bill HB05546

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Lowering The Excess Cost Threshold For Out-of-district Special Education Students.

Impact

The implications of HB 5546 could be substantial for local educational agencies, especially for those that currently face high costs associated with out-of-district placements. By lowering the reimbursement threshold, towns may see a reduction in their financial liabilities for special education costs. This change aims to provide much-needed fiscal relief, potentially allowing municipalities to allocate funds towards other educational needs or initiatives. It is a response to concerns voiced by districts struggling to manage the financial impacts of supporting special education students from outside their jurisdictions.

Summary

House Bill 5546 proposes a significant adjustment to the financial framework governing special education services for out-of-district students in Connecticut. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend subsection (b) of section 10-76g of the general statutes to lower the reimbursement threshold for special education costs linked to out-of-district placements. This threshold would be decreased from four and one-half times the average per pupil cost to three times the average per pupil cost. The intent behind this proposed change is to alleviate financial burdens on municipalities tasked with providing special education services to children placed in schools outside their home districts.

Contention

While the bill is designed to ease the financial strain on towns, there may be differing opinions on its long-term implications. Critics could argue that reducing the reimbursement threshold may lead to inadequacies in funding or support for special education programs if costs continue to rise. There is also the concern of potential inequities in access to resources for out-of-district students if financial constraints vary widely between districts. Some stakeholders may advocate for a more comprehensive approach to funding special education that includes different measures rather than merely adjusting reimbursement rates.