Just one more legislative hurdle remains for a plan to adjust the funding method for education and other services for students placed in behavioral treatment centers.

 

Senate Education committee members unanimously passed House Bill 1021, which revises certain provisions regarding the education provided for children in certain residential treatment centers, at Thursday’s meeting (2/2).

 

HB 1021 would implement a provision for the South Dakota Department of Education to pay tuition for education services of the student directly to the treatment center in which they are placed, instead of counting the student on the fall enrollment of a school district. The cost to the state would be approximately $160,000.

 

The bill also removes road blocks for some students placed in treatment centers as in the past, some students have been turned away for service due to the discrepancy in cost for students who remained in parental custody instead of state custody, but needed to be placed in the centers.

 

“This is really built around these families that maintain parental control,” Sen. Alan Solano said. “This is a big step that will help families.”

 

HB 1021 now heads to the House floor for review and vote. ASBSD supports the bill.

 

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