Missouri House Bill HB2010

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/27/22
• Report Pass: 2/15/22
• Refer: 2/15/22
• Report Pass: 2/22/22

Caption

Places the burdens of proof and production on school districts in due process hearings for children with a disability

Impact

By requiring school districts to assume the burden of proof in due process hearings, HB2010 could significantly change the landscape of special education law within the state. Proponents of the bill argue that this will ensure that students receive the protections they are entitled to under the law. This shift is seen as a necessary measure to enhance the advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations who may otherwise struggle to assert their rights against established educational institutions.

Summary

House Bill 2010 aims to amend the responsibilities of school districts in the context of due process hearings for children with disabilities. Specifically, the bill places the burdens of proof and production on school districts, fundamentally shifting the legal dynamics of how these hearings are conducted. This legislation seeks to ensure that schools are held accountable for providing appropriate services and accommodations to students with disabilities, aligning more closely with federal standards regarding the education of these children.

Contention

Despite its intentions, HB2010 has sparked a debate around the feasibility and implications of imposing such burdens on school districts. Critics express concerns that the legislation may lead to increased litigation against schools, which could divert resources from educational programs and services. Additionally, some stakeholders fear that the requirements may inadvertently create a more adversarial environment between families and school districts, rather than fostering collaborative efforts to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities.