New Jersey Assembly Bill AR39

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Urges Congress to amend Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to expand eligibility for funding to students with special needs who are 22 years of age.

Impact

AR39 emphasizes the important role that the IDEA plays in providing funding to states for students with developmental disabilities, covering essential services such as special education and therapy. By advocating for students to receive support until age 22, this resolution aims to address the significant learning regressions experienced during the pandemic. The change is seen as crucial for helping students transition successfully into adulthood, particularly after having missed necessary educational opportunities during the period of remote instruction.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 39 (AR39) is a resolution introduced in New Jersey urging Congress to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to allow students with special needs to remain eligible for funding until the age of 22. The resolution highlights the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted educational services for students with disabilities, resulting in academic setbacks and loss of essential skills. Many students have been unable to receive the in-person support they require, leading to concerns about their preparedness for adulthood.

Contention

The resolution identifies a gap in the current education system, where students age out of services at 21 or upon receiving their high school diploma, which can hinder their ability to adapt and thrive in adult settings. The proposal to extend this age limit to 22 is presented as a response to the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. While some states have already adopted similar measures, the resolution calls for uniformity across the nation, ensuring all students are given adequate time and resources to benefit from special education services.