HLS 16RS-100 ENGROSSED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 712
BY REPRESENTATIVE JACKSON
CHILDREN/EXCEPTIONAL: Provides relative to assignment of students with
exceptionalities to schools requested by their parents
1 AN ACT
2To enact R.S. 17:1944(F), relative to assignment of students with exceptionalities; to require
3 local education agencies to assign a student to the school requested by the parent; to
4 provide for conditions; and to provide for related matters.
5Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 17:1944(F) is hereby enacted to read as follows:
7 ยง1944. Local education agency; responsibilities
8 * * *
9 F. A student with an exceptionality, except a gifted or talented student, shall
10 be assigned to a school as requested by the parent if all of the following conditions
11 are met:
12 (1) The parent submits a written request to the local education agency
13 responsible for the student and the local education agency having jurisdiction over
14 the school being requested by not later than April first of the school year preceding
15 the school year for which the parent is requesting the school assignment. The
16 request shall include a recommendation from at least two licensed physicians who
17 have treated the student during the year prior to the submission of the request.
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
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HB NO. 712
1 (2) The local education agency responsible for the student and the local
2 education agency having jurisdiction over the school being requested by the parent
3 enter into an agreement for the assignment of the student to the requested school.
4 (3) The requested school is located at least ten miles from the school the
5 student is assigned to in accordance with applicable school attendance zone
6 requirements.
7 (4) The requested school is located at least fifteen miles from the student's
8 home.
9 (5) The requested school is located in a public school district that does not
10 use a single application and enrollment process for public school enrollment.
11 Section 2. This Act shall be known and may be cited as "Aeden's Law".
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 712 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Jackson
Abstract: Provides that a student with an exceptionality, except a gifted or talented student,
shall be assigned to a school as requested by the parent if specified conditions are
met.
Present law provides for the responsibilities of local education agencies in providing special
education and related services to students with exceptionalities as defined in present law.
Proposed law adds that a student with an exceptionality, except a gifted or talented student,
shall be assigned to a school as requested by the parent if all of the following conditions are
met:
(1)The parent submits a written request to the local education agency responsible for
the student and the local education agency having jurisdiction over the school being
requested including a recommendation from licensed physicians who have treated
the student during the year prior.
(2)The local education agency responsible for the student and the local education
agency having jurisdiction over the school being requested by the parent enter into
an agreement for the assignment of the student to the requested school.
(3)The requested school is at least 10 miles from the school the student is assigned to
and at least 15 miles from the student's home.
(4)The requested school is located in a public school district that does not use a single
application and enrollment process for public school enrollment.
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HB NO. 712
Present law defines "local education agency" as a public board of education or other public
authority legally constituted within La. for administrative control and direction of or to
perform a service function for public elementary or secondary schools in a city, parish, or
other local public school district or other political subdivision. The term includes an
education service agency and special schools and school districts and any other public
institution or agency having administrative control and direction of a public elementary or
secondary school.
(Adds R.S. 17:1944(F))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the
original bill:
1. Add that a student with an exceptionality, except a gifted or talented student,
shall be assigned to a school as requested by the parent if certain conditions are
met as specified in proposed law.
2. Delete proposed law requirement that local education agencies, in accordance
with federal law and to the greatest extent possible, ensure that a student with an
exceptionality is educated in the school closest to the student's home regardless
of the school attendance zone requirements.
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.