It took three votes for a bill adjusting the timelines schools have to provide information to parents to get out of committee.

 

After two votes – to defeat and then pass – deadlocked at 7-7, House Education committee members sent House Bill 1218, which requires responses and reporting regarding student, testing, evaluation and observation, to the House floor without recommendation on a 10-4 vote.

 

HB 1218 would require a parent be notified within one business day when a standardized test, assessment, evaluation or observation will be given or if it hasn’t been scheduled and within five business days requires a report related to special education testing or observation be presented to parents.

 

Bill advocate Michelle Powers said its purpose is “providing an assurance that when families contact a school…the school will provide that information without delay” and added that in her opinion “this is not an additional burden” to schools.

 

CORE Cooperative Special Education Director Valerie Johnson said “imposing” the five-day deadline “will cut that time” school officials have to prepare their report.

 

ASBSD is monitoring the bill, which is on the House floor awaiting review and debate.

 

For updates on the bill and others during the 2020 legislative session, check the ASBSD Blog and Bill Tracker page.