AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FULL FUNDING OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION EXCESS COST GRANT.

HB 5251 allocates $240 million from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fully fund the special education excess cost grant. This directly affects public school districts that serve students with disabilities, as the grant covers costs exceeding standard funding for special education programs. The bill requires the Department of Education to use these funds to cover the full excess costs for eligible students under existing law (section 10-76g of the general statutes). The funding aims to ensure school districts receive complete reimbursement for specialized services, eliminating current shortfalls in special education support.