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HB 5861

AN ACT CONCERNING FULL FUNDING OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION EXCESS COST GRANT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Nuccio

Connecticut bill proposing full state reimbursement for school districts' special education costs exceeding standard per-pupil spending to reduce local budget strain.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Education
#educationequalization(educationcostsharing) #specialeducation #statefunds
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Bill Summary · HB 5861

Legislative bill overview

HB 5861 seeks to establish full funding for Connecticut's Special Education Excess Cost Grant program. This grant reimburses school districts for the costs of educating students with disabilities that exceed standard per-pupil spending. The bill aims to eliminate or significantly reduce the gap between what districts spend on special education and what the state currently reimburses.

Why is this important

Special education is statutorily mandated but chronically underfunded in most states, forcing local school districts to absorb substantial costs. Connecticut districts currently face significant budget pressures from special education expenses, which can divert resources from general education programs. Full funding would provide fiscal relief to municipalities and potentially improve special education services by reducing budget constraints.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and state budget burden: Full funding could require substantial new state appropriations, raising questions about where funding comes from and competing budget priorities
  • Definition of "excess cost": Disagreement may emerge over what constitutes reimbursable excess costs versus baseline special education expenses, and how the grant formula is calculated
  • Implementation timeline: Whether full funding is immediate or phased in over years, and whether districts receive retroactive reimbursement for past underfunding

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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