Children with disabilities; provides certain procedures to attempt to remedy an allegation of a violation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act before an impartial due process hearing may be requested

HB 197 requires parents or guardians alleging a school district violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to first notify Alabama's State Department of Education before requesting a formal hearing. It mandates the department to offer free, voluntary mediation to resolve disputes and gives school districts 10 days to respond to complaints. If mediation fails, the department issues a written decision, and unresolved cases may proceed to a due process hearing. The bill specifically states monetary remedies are unavailable - only educational services can be addressed - and applies to families of children with disabilities in Alabama public schools.