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House education committee backs bill to prioritize military children's IEPs and 504 plans
Summary
The House committee approved HB 383 (committee substitute and amendment) to require that incoming military students' IEPs or 504 plans be adopted within 30 days of arrival 'to the greatest extent possible,' with exceptions documented. The bill now moves to the full House.
The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education voted to approve House Bill 383, advancing the measure to the full House with a committee substitute and a committee amendment that tightens the adoption timeframe for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans for military‑connected students.
Representative Vanessa Grossel, sponsor of HB 383, told the committee the substitute does not change federal law but makes clear that "Kentucky really prioritizes our military children with IEPs and 504 plans" and asks that those plans "be adopted within 30 days to the greatest extent possible from their previous school," with documentation when adoption isn't immediately possible. She said Department of Defense testimony at an earlier meeting showed how repeatedly moving students can leave them academically behind.
The committee adopted Committee Amendment 1, explained by Representative Bogdanowski, which replaces the bill language to require adoption "within 30 days of the child's date of arrival," tightening the timeframe. Representative Wilmer and other members expressed support, describing encounters with military families and saying the measure would help reduce educational disruption for children who move frequently.
The committee recorded affirmative votes and the chair announced that HB 383 "passes with the expression of opinion that same should pass on the house floor with the committee substitute attached thereto." The bill now awaits consideration by the full House.
