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House clears change to traumatic brain injury definition for school special-education eligibility
Summary
House Bill 26‑70 passed third reading to align the Oregon Department of Education definition of traumatic brain injury with a statutory reference so students with internally caused brain injuries can qualify for IEP or 504 services.
The Oregon House passed House Bill 26‑70 A on April 1 to modify the definition of traumatic brain injury used for special-education eligibility so that students who have acquired brain injuries from internal causes can qualify for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 accommodation plans.
Representative McIntyre, sponsor of the bill, said the Oregon Department of Education's existing definition limited traumatic brain injury to injuries caused by external force and excluded some acquired brain injuries such as those from drowning or internal medical events. She said the bill aligns the department's definition with "ORS 410.750" to ensure students who suffer internal brain injuries can access appropriate services.
McIntyre told the chamber this change is intended to reclassify some students under an appropriate diagnosis code so they can receive services more quickly and efficiently, and she said the bill would not increase school district costs because the students are already being served under other codes.
There was no floor amendment and the bill passed after a roll-call; the clerk declared House Bill 26‑70 A passed. Sponsors and supporters characterized the measure as a technical clean-up to remove a barrier to services.
