Synopsis:

H.B. 48 would mandate state funding for “basic” special education services in grades K–3. Currently, the state pays for three categories of special education at higher rates than regular education: grades 4–12 basic, K–12 intensive and K–12 complex. These are defined by factors such as students’ need for smaller class sizes, non-routine accommodations and curriculum or environmental alterations. The outlier, K–3 basic special education, receives no extra money. H.B. 48, recognizing the large body of research indicating young children with disabilities see significant benefits from early intervention by developmental specialists, would bring the funding rate for K–3 basic special education into line with the other special education rates. Current estimates suggest this would cost the state more than $12 million per year. To soften the initial financial shock, H.B. 48 would phase in the spending increase over four years. A nearly identical bill, H.S. 1 for H.B. 12, failed in the last General Assembly. However, the Legislature did appropriate a block grant of almost $3 million for K–3 basic special education. Gov. Carney’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 budget would continue the grant funding.

Supporters:

Reps. Williams (D), Baumbach (D), Bennett (D), Bentz (D), Brady (D), Briggs King (R), Chukwuocha (D), Dorsey Walker (D), Heffernan (D), Jaques (D), Kowalko (D), Lynn (D), Matthews (D), Osienski (D), Seigfried (D), M. Smith (R), Spiegelman (R), Viola (D); Sens. Poore (D), Sturgeon (D), Lockman (D), McDowell (D), Paradee (D), Sokola (D), Townsend (D), Walsh (D); Autism Delaware, League of Women Voters of Delaware.

Opponents:

None reported.

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