Kentucky House Bill HB132

Kentucky 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Report Pass: 2/12/25
• Engrossed: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Report Pass: 3/6/25
• Enrolled: 3/12/25
• Chaptered: 3/18/25
• Passed: 3/18/25

Caption

AN ACT relating to home and hospital instruction.

Impact

The proposed changes strengthen the legal framework surrounding home and hospital instruction, ensuring that students who are incapacitated due to medical reasons receive adequate educational support. The bill details requirements, such as having a signed statement of the child's condition and ensuring that instructional sessions are conducted by certified teachers. Additionally, it stipulates that home or hospital instruction equates to regular classroom attendance under certain conditions, which could impact attendance accounting for funding purposes.

Summary

House Bill 132 is an act focused on amending Kentucky Revised Statutes 158.033 regarding the provision of educational instruction for students unable to attend school due to health conditions. The bill stipulates that if a student cannot attend school, instruction must be delivered either at home or in a hospital. The act emphasizes the importance of educational continuity for students undergoing significant health challenges by mandating that school boards provide this instruction.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB132 seems supportive, particularly among educational professionals and advocates for students with disabilities. Many stakeholders view the bill as a necessary enhancement of educational access, advocating for the rights of students who face barriers to attending traditional school settings. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation logistics and the adequacy of resources for providing effective instruction in non-traditional settings.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, it raises questions about the allocation of resources and the capacity of local school districts to implement the required changes effectively. Some stakeholders might argue about the potential disparities in the quality of home or hospital instruction, depending on available funding and teacher availability. Furthermore, the regulation specifies that educational delivery methods can be in-person, electronic, or through other means, which opens discussions about the suitability of these methods in various situations.