South Central Reporter

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) sought clarification of the cost of state Sen. Dave Koehler’s (D-Peoria) bill amending the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code, SB1821, during the Senate Education Committee hearing.

Koehler explained that the bill will help special needs students but Bailey wanted more clarity on the bill, particularly on its cost and duration.

“Just two quick questions, because I am picking up on the confusion of this,” Bailey said. “One-year deal because of the effects of COVID, correct? Not permanent? And no costs to local school districts because of COVID money, correct?

Access Living’s education policy analyst Chris Yun confirmed Bailey’s assumptions. 

“OK," Bailey said. "I’ll help get this out of committee."

Bill sponsor Koehler said that funds are available through the COVID relief bill after Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) asked about it.

SB1821 states “that eligible students who reached or will reach their 22nd birthday between March 17, 2020 and the end of the 2021-2022 school year shall be afforded the option of extending the student's eligibility through the end of the 2021-2022 school year to provide the student with an opportunity to participate in post-secondary transition activities and services and pursue the goals under the student's most recent individualized education program. Sets forth provisions regarding the extension of eligibility.”

It would also require “each school district to provide written notification of options, including the required waiver of compensatory services claims, to each student to whom these provisions apply or to the student's guardian or designated representative within 30 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act.”

While three members of the Senate Education Committee did not vote, including Committee Chair Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Centreville), SB1821 advanced out of the committee with 12 yeas.