AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSIDERATIONS AS PART OF SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY.

HB 5517 requires every school to include a special education department representative on its security and safety committee and mandates that fire and crisis response drills accommodate the specific needs of students with disabilities to ensure their full, safe participation. Schools must design these drills to meet individual student needs, share plans with parents or guardians in advance, and ensure all students can effectively engage during emergencies. This bill directly affects public schools, students with special education needs, and their families by integrating accessibility into safety protocols. It updates existing statutes to make inclusive safety planning a standard requirement, moving beyond general safety measures to address diverse student needs.