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S 233

An act relating to establishing a special education family advocacy pilot program

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alison Clarkson and 2 co-sponsors

The bill creates a two-year pilot giving trained advocates to assist K–12 families in the IEP process, aiming to improve collaboration and reduce disputes.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare
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Bill Summary · S 233

Overview

S.233, introduced in the Vermont Senate for the 2025-2026 session, would establish a two-year pilot program to develop and support special education family advocacy. The program would be funded with a $250,000 General Fund appropriation to the Agency of Human Services (AHS) starting in fiscal year 2027. The pilots aim to help families navigate the individualized education program (IEP) process, enhance collaboration between schools and families, and reduce disputes and costly due process through early issue resolution.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a two-year pilot program to fund and develop special education family advocacy initiatives.
  • Ensure kindergarten through 12th-grade families have access to knowledgeable, neutral advocates during the IEP process, including in-person support during IEP meetings.
  • Strengthen collaboration between schools and families.
  • Address issues early to help prevent disputes and the need for formal due process hearings.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Funding and Scope

    • Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Agency of Human Services in fiscal year 2027 to establish the pilot program.
    • The pilot runs for two years.

  • Eligible Applicants

    • The Agency shall seek applications from:
    • School districts
    • Parent-child centers
    • Other interested nonprofit organizations

  • Grant Requirements for Applicants

    • Applications must describe how grant funds will be used to: 1) Train advocates to provide direct support for parents of students with disabilities in grades K–12 through the IEP process. 2) Provide trainings for parents to empower them to advocate effectively during the IEP process. 3) Collaborate with school districts to support constructive cooperation among all parties in the best interests of students.

  • Reporting and Evaluation

    • By November 15, 2027, the Agency must submit a written report to the House Committees on Education and Human Services and the Senate Committees on Education and Health and Welfare.
    • The report should evaluate the pilot program and propose any recommended future actions.
    • The Agency must seek input from the Agency of Education to assess need and effectiveness and include the Agency of Education’s response in the report.

  • Effective Date

    • The act would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students: K–12 students with disabilities, and their families, who participate in the IEP process.
  • Families: Parents and guardians seeking guidance and advocacy support during IEP meetings.
  • School Districts: Local districts partnering with advocacy programs and implementing collaborative practices.
  • Parent-Child Centers and Nonprofits: Eligible grant recipients that provide advocacy training and support.
  • State Agencies: Agency of Human Services (administration of the pilot) and Agency of Education (input and collaboration during evaluation).

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • FY2027: $250,000 General Fund appropriation to AHS to establish the two-year pilot.
  • November 15, 2027: AHS must submit a comprehensive evaluation report to specified legislative committees, including input from the Agency of Education.
  • July 1, 2026: Effective date of the act (start of the program planning/implementation window leading into FY2027).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Could improve family engagement and reduce escalation of conflicts in the IEP process.
  • May lead to more consistent supports for families across districts through standardized advocacy training.
  • The pilot’s evaluation will inform decisions about broader expansion or continuation beyond the two-year period.
  • Success depends on effective collaboration between AHS, the Agency of Education, districts, and participating nonprofits.

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

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