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HB 111

An Act relating to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Introduced by Jamie Allard and 21 co-sponsors

Alaska bill requiring public schools to provide specialized accommodations and communication services for deaf and hard of hearing students to ensure educational access and equity.

(S) Moved CSHB 111(EDC) Out of Committee
#disabilities #education #minors #schooldistricts
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Bill Summary · HB 111

Legislative bill overview

HB 111 addresses educational services and accommodations for deaf and hard of hearing students in Alaska's public schools. The bill has passed through the Senate Education Committee with majority support and is under fiscal review, with recent actions indicating advancement toward full Senate consideration.

Why is this important

Deaf and hard of hearing students require specialized communication supports—such as interpreters, assistive listening devices, and specialized instruction—to access equal educational opportunities. This legislation ensures public schools have clear requirements or resources to provide these accommodations, directly affecting educational equity and outcomes for students with hearing disabilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and funding source: The Senate Finance Committee review and fiscal note suggest concerns about implementation costs; schools may need budget increases to hire qualified sign language interpreters and purchase specialized equipment
  • Interpreter availability and qualifications: Alaska faces documented shortages of certified deaf interpreters and educational specialists, making compliance potentially difficult in rural areas
  • Scope of accommodations: Disagreement may exist over which services are mandatory versus discretionary, and whether the bill sufficiently specifies standards for communication accessibility across all school settings

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

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