Maine House Bill LD2120

Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 1/3/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Engrossed: 3/28/24
• Enrolled: 4/1/24

Caption

An Act to Fund the Delivery of Educational Services to Children with Special Needs as Required by State and Federal Law in Special Purpose Private Preschools

Impact

By ensuring that special purpose private preschools receive adequate funding, LD2120 seeks to maintain essential educational programming for children who require specialized instruction and therapeutic services. The bill addresses potential gaps in education services that could arise if funding was not appropriated in a timely manner. This is particularly crucial in light of previously established state directives that mandate collaboration between the Child Development Services System and private preschools to set a comprehensive funding formula, which has not yet materialized. The support aimed at these institutions highlights the state's commitment to complying with its obligations under education law while preserving the rights of children with special needs to access necessary services.

Summary

LD2120 aims to secure funding for the delivery of special education services to children with special needs in private preschools that offer medically necessary therapeutic services. Specifically, the bill allocates a one-time transfer of $15,000,000 from the state's General Fund to support payments for these educational services. It establishes a daily rate of $125 for each child enrolled in private preschools that follow a child's individualized education program (IEP) as dictated by both state and federal law. The urgency and necessity of this bill are framed as an emergency to ensure that children can continue to receive essential educational support services without disruption going into the 2024-2025 school year.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding LD2120 appears to be positive, particularly among proponents who view it as a critical measure to support children with special needs. Lawmakers advocating for the bill emphasize its importance in safeguarding the educational rights of vulnerable populations within preschools. However, the discussions may reflect a sense of urgency and concern regarding the potential implications of delayed funding in terms of accessibility to educational resources for these children. The immediate action reflects legislative intent to bridge gaps in educational funding, ensuring that children can receive uninterrupted support.

Contention

One notable point of contention in the legislative discussions might arise from the funding method. Critics may question the sustainability of the one-time funding allocation and the long-term fiscal implications for the state's budget. Questions about the adequacy of the established rate and potential disparities in the funding formula needed for future years may also surface as points for further debate. Additionally, the bill’s designation as an emergency measure could prompt discussion on the criteria that warrant such designations, especially in the context of ongoing and comprehensive funding strategies for education.