Kentucky House Bill HB799

Kentucky 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/24
• Refer: 2/26/24
• Refer: 3/8/24
• Report Pass: 3/12/24
• Engrossed: 3/22/24
• Refer: 3/22/24

Caption

AN ACT relating to home and hospital instruction.

Impact

The enactment of HB 799 will have significant implications for education laws in Kentucky. By clarifying the requirements for home and hospital instruction, the bill seeks to better serve students with health-related issues, particularly those with disabilities or prolonged illnesses. The legislation ensures that educational standards are maintained even in non-traditional settings, thus supporting the continuity of education for vulnerable student populations. The Kentucky Board of Education is tasked with developing regulations that will outline the components of this instructional delivery method.

Summary

House Bill 799 addresses the provision of instruction for students unable to attend school due to medical reasons. It amends the KRS 158.033 to formalize the requirements for delivering home or hospital instruction, aiming to ensure that students who cannot physically attend classes due to illness will still receive educational support. The bill stipulates that to be eligible for such instruction, a signed statement of the diagnosed condition must be provided. Furthermore, it establishes that students receiving a minimum of two instructional sessions each week will be considered as attending school regularly.

Sentiment

General sentiment towards HB 799 appears to be positive. The bill has garnered unanimous support in the House, indicating a bipartisan agreement on the importance of providing education to students who cannot attend traditional classes. The focus on healthcare and education intertwines positively, with stakeholders recognizing the need for equitable access to education for all students, regardless of their circumstances. The clear delineation of instructional standards and requirements has also been well-received among educators and advocacy groups.

Contention

While there were no noted points of contention during the voting process, as the bill passed with zero nays, potential concerns could arise regarding the implementation and regulation of such instruction. Some may argue that there needs to be sufficient resources allocated for the delivery of home and hospital instruction to ensure quality education is provided. Additionally, discussions around the appropriate qualifications of instructors and the adequacy of instructional methods (in-person versus electronic) could be areas of future debate.