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Committee advances special education measures after contentious debate; amendments and final votes recorded
Summary
The committee considered several special education bills and amendments. The committee approved amendments and advanced two bills — HB 699 (as amended) and HB 754 (as amended) — after lengthy discussion about stakeholder input, definitions, and administrative processes; votes were recorded on amendments and final passage.
The House Education Committee voted on multiple special education measures during an executive-session sequence that included roll-call votes on amendments and final passage of two bills with amendments.
HB 699: Representative Cordelli offered amendment 0606H, which the committee debated at length. Committee members raised concerns about stakeholder consultation, the scope of definitions, alignment with federal law and a current audit of the special education unit. After discussion, the committee voted 9 yeas and 8 nays to approve the amendment (motion recorded as OTP on the amendment) and then approved the bill as amended on a 9-8 roll-call vote.
HB 754: The committee then opened executive session on House Bill 754, concerning automatic discovery and due process hearings for enforcement of special education rights. Representative Cordelli offered amendment 0608H, which committee members said was drafted with input from the Department of Education’s special education director and the special education advocate. The committee approved the amendment on a 13-4 recorded vote and then passed HB 754 as amended by a recorded vote of 14 yeas and 3 nays.
Throughout the discussion, members expressed repeated concerns that the draft language needed broader stakeholder review and that an ongoing comprehensive audit of the Department of Education’s special education functions might address several issues. Supporters of the amendments said the changes codify federal definitions and respond to audit recommendations to improve clarity on instructional environments, approved programs and related services.
Committee members who objected called for more time to consult stakeholders—including school districts, special education teachers, parents and advocacy organizations—and some urged retaining measures until the state audit is published.
The committee completed the executive sessions, recorded the votes, and reported both bills out of committee as passed with amendments.
