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SD 376

An Act relative to conducting a study on the delivery of special education services

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

DESE leads a multi-stakeholder study (with higher ed, LEAs, private providers) to assess disability service delivery, costs, and inclusion, with recommendations by May 1, 2026.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 376

Summary: An Act relative to conducting a study on the delivery of special education services (Senate Docket No. 376)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to commission a comprehensive study of how education and related services are delivered to students with disabilities. The study would be conducted in partnership with at least one public higher education institution, local school districts, and private educational providers. The bill emphasizes an inclusive, evidence-based approach aligned with state and federal law.

Purpose and intent

  • Assess current delivery of special education under Chapter 71B and applicable federal laws (IDEA; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act).
  • Develop an intersectional understanding of how service delivery operates in practice, including best practices and appropriate placement options.
  • Identify opportunities to improve inclusion and ensure effective, equitable educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

Key provisions

  • Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, DESE must lead the study in partnership with at least one public institution of higher education, local educational authorities (LEAs), and private providers.
  • The study shall address: 1) Social and societal impacts on disability diagnosis, considering race, ethnicity, gender, immigration status, parental education, and socioeconomic status. 2) A comprehensive evaluation of existing and potential models for delivering education and services for students with disabilities, in both inclusive in-district and out-of-district settings. The evaluation must compare costs and benefits, including personnel compensation, transportation, housing, specialized services and supports, and assistive technologies. 3) Proposed means to provide individualized instruction inclusively for all students.
  • DESE must file recommendations and any proposed legislative measures needed to implement them with the Joint Committee on Education and the clerks of the Senate and House no later than May 1, 2026.

Scope and methodology

  • Examine current delivery models and how they align with Chapter 71B and federal requirements (IDEA, Section 504).
  • Assess both in-district inclusion and out-of-district placement options.
  • Include cost analyses across personnel, transportation, housing (where relevant to services), specialized supports, and assistive technology.
  • Incorporate an equity lens to understand differential impacts on subgroups defined by race, ethnicity, gender, immigration status, and socio-economic factors.
  • Produce concrete recommendations, including legislative changes needed for implementation.

Stakeholders affected

  • DESE (lead agency) and its staff.
  • Local educational authorities (school districts) and public charter schools.
  • Public institutions of higher education involved in the study.
  • Private educational providers participating in the study.
  • Students with disabilities and their families, as well as educators and related service personnel.

Timeline and reporting

  • Filing and sponsor activity occurred in January–February 2025 (introduced Feb 27, 2025; referred to Education; House concurrence noted).
  • Final recommendations, including proposed legislation to effectuate them, due to the Joint Committee on Education and the clerks by May 1, 2026.

Procedural status

  • The bill is identified as a proposed bill. The current actions show referral to the Committee on Education and a House concurrence, indicating cross-chamber consideration and potential adoption of a consolidated version.

Bottom line

The bill would Commission a multi-stakeholder study to evaluate and improve how Massachusetts delivers special education services, with a focus on inclusive practices, equity, cost considerations, and actionable legislative recommendations by mid-2026.

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

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