The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jeanne C. Johnston.
DIGEST
SB 158 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Donahue
Proposed law requires each public school governing authority to establish a special education
advisory council to provide advice and feedback regarding special education policies, procedures,
and resources and engage in community outreach, as follows:
(1)Each council must be created not later than January 1, 2020.
(2)The number of members shall be determined by the school governing authority and the
membership shall be composed as follows:
(a)50% of the membership shall be parents of students with an exceptionality, other than
gifted and talented.
(b)25% of the membership shall be teachers, principals, or paraprofessionals.
(c)25% of the membership shall be other special education stakeholders.
(3)Each public school governing authority shall seek applications for council membership from
parents of students with an exceptionality, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, and other
stakeholders. Requires that an effort be made to include parents of students in all grade
levels.
(4)Each special education advisory council shall meet at least three times a year and shall
submit a written report to the superintendent and the public school governing authority in
May of each year regarding its activities.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:1944.1 and 3996(B)(54))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill
1. Revises council membership.
2. Reduces number of meetings and reports. 3. Clarifies that proposed law applies to charter school governing authorities.