Connecticut House Bill HB05551

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

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

Caption

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

Impact

The removal of the application deadline is expected to have a significant impact on local school districts, especially those that experience mid-year enrollments. It would allow districts to seek reimbursement for special education costs incurred from students who enroll after the preset deadline, thereby alleviating potential financial burdens. Supporters of the bill argue that this change will create a more equitable educational environment for students with special needs, as they will receive timely financial assistance regardless of when they enter a school district. It emphasizes the importance of financial support in accommodating the unique educational needs of these students.

Summary

House Bill 05551 aims to amend current state law by removing the deadline for boards of education to apply for state grants that cover additional costs associated with special education for children transferring into new school districts. Specifically, the bill targets subsection (b) of section 10-76g of the general statutes, which currently enforces a March first cutoff for filing such applications. By eliminating this deadline, the bill seeks to ensure that school districts can receive necessary funding for special education children who move after this date, enhancing the support for these students and their educational needs.

Contention

While supporters advocate for this bill as a means to enhance the quality of education for special needs children by ensuring funding is available regardless of enrollment dates, there may be concerns about how the state will manage the increased fiscal responsibility. Critics may argue that removing the deadline could lead to unforeseen financial challenges for the state budget, particularly if many districts start applying for grants outside the previous limit. There is often a balancing act between providing adequate funding for special education and managing the overall education budget, making the passage of this bill a topic of careful evaluation.