House approves bill directing data and funding study for specialized special-education services

The House passed Senate Bill 868, directing the Oregon Department of Education to devise a funding formula and report every two years on the costs of delivering Regional Inclusive Services (RIS) for students with low-incidence disabilities.

"Regional inclusive services provide highly specialized support to students who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, autistic, orthopedically impaired, deaf-blind, or living with traumatic brain injury," Representative Dobson said while urging passage. She said the legislature currently lacks clear, consistent cost data and that the bill will require the department to produce a biennial report identifying funding shortfalls and making that information publicly available.

The sponsor said the initiative responds to sustainability risks and inconsistent funding that can undermine program quality. "SB 868 lays the groundwork to ensure that our special education system is equitable, accountable, and sustainable," Dobson said. The bill passed after committee consideration and received the constitutional majority on the House floor.

The floor record shows the bill had bipartisan committee support; the transcript records the sponsor's description and final passage but does not include the department's implementation plan or a specific funding appropriation.

By statute and practice, the Department of Education will be responsible for implementing any formula and reporting requirements assigned by the bill; the transcript records the policy direction but not detailed operational steps.