RDCSB158 331 3408
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)]
SB 158 Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session Donahue
Proposed law requires each local public school superintendent and the administrative head
of each charter school or other public school to establish a special education advisory council
to provide advice and feedback regarding special education policies, procedures, and
resources and engage in community outreach.
Proposed law provides that the number of members and composition of the council shall be
determined by the local public school superintendent or the administrative head of each
charter or other public school and provides that:
(1)50% shall be parents of students with an exceptionality, other than gifted and
talented.
(2)25% shall be teachers, principals, or paraprofessionals.
(3)25% shall be other special education stakeholders.
Proposed law provides that each local public school superintendent and administrative head
of a charter or other public school shall seek applications for council membership from
parents of students with an exceptionality. Requires that an effort be made to include parents
of students in elementary, middle, and high school grades.
Proposed law requires the local public school superintendent or administrative head of the
charter school or other public school to designate the chairperson of the council who shall
call the council's meetings, preside over the meetings, and establish the agendas for the
meetings.
Proposed law provides that each special education advisory council shall meet at least three
times a year and shall annually submit a report to the superintendent or the administrative
head of the charter school or other public school regarding its activities.
Proposed law provides that there shall be no liability or cause of action against the public
school district, public charter school or other public school, or any officer or employee
thereof for any action taken by members of the council.
(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.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Makes technical changes.
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2. Changes the appointing authority from the public school governing authority
to the local public school superintendent and the administrative head of each
charter or other public school.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the
reengrossed bill:
1. Remove requirement that the local superintendent and administrative head of the
charter or other school seek applications from teachers, principals,
paraprofessionals, and other stakeholders.
2. Add requirement that the local public school superintendent or administrative
head of the charter school or other public school designate the chairperson of the
council who shall call the council's meetings, preside over the meetings, and
establish the agendas for the meetings.
3. Add that there shall be no liability or cause of action against the public school
district, public charter school or other public school, or any officer or employee
thereof for any action taken by members of the council.
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