This bill designates the District of Columbia Department of Corrections as the agency responsible for providing free public education to young adults with disabilities who are detained in its secure facilities. It specifically applies to individuals aged 18 through the end of their eligibility for special education services, covering the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The legislation mandates that these services be delivered in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and local District laws. As an emergency amendment, the bill is intended to take effect immediately upon approval and will remain in force for no longer than 90 days.
This bill temporarily requires the District of Columbia Department of Corrections to provide free public education to young adults with disabilities who are in its custody. Specifically, it mandates that individuals aged 18 through the end of their eligibility for special education services receive instruction under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The legislation achieves this by adding new language to existing correctional codes, ensuring that secure facilities offer appropriate educational opportunities to this specific population. The provision is set to expire 225 days after the bill takes effect, making it a short-term measure rather than a permanent change.
This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify who must prove their case during special education disputes. Specifically, it states that school districts generally bear the burden of proof in due process hearings involving exceptional children, unless the parents unilaterally chose a private school placement, in which case the parents must provide the proof. The law applies to situations concerning a child's identification, evaluation, classification, placement, or disciplinary actions. The changes are designed to streamline legal procedures by explicitly defining these responsibilities rather than leaving them open to interpretation.
