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SB 279

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL-BASED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Lawson and 8 co-sponsors

Expands and formalizes school-based occupational therapy scope, qualifications, and funding in Delaware public schools.

Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 NO
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Bill Summary · SB 279

Summary of SB 279 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose

SB 279 is an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code, focusing on school-based occupational therapists. The bill aims to clarify, expand, or formalize provisions related to the utilization, scope of practice, qualifications, funding, or requirements for occupational therapists who provide services within Delaware public schools. The exact text of the amendments is not provided here, but the bill’s title and committee assignment indicate a focus on K-12 school-based occupational therapy services and related governance.

Key Provisions (Expected Areas Based on Title)

While the specific statutory changes are not enumerated in the information provided, typical elements in a bill of this nature may include:
- Definitions and scope of practice for school-based occupational therapists operating within public schools.
- Qualifications and licensure requirements for individuals delivering occupational therapy services in schools (e.g., state licensure, credentials, or certifications).
- Service delivery models and the roles of occupational therapists in multidisciplinary teams (e.g., collaboration with teachers, special education staff, and related services).
- Eligibility criteria for students to receive school-based occupational therapy under an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan.
- Billing, funding, and reimbursement considerations for school-based OT services (potential alignment with Medicaid or state funding streams, if applicable).
- Compliance and reporting requirements, including record-keeping, evaluation timelines, and performance measures.
- Administrative and regulatory updates to Title 14 to reflect current practice, standards, or workforce needs.

Note: The exact substantive changes will be specified in the bill’s full text as introduced and amended in committee.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students in Delaware public schools who receive or may receive occupational therapy services.
  • School districts, charter schools, and other public education entities responsible for delivering related services and coordinating IEPs/504 plans.
  • School-based occupational therapists and other related service professionals (speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, special education coordinators) working within the educational setting.
  • Parents and guardians of students who require occupational therapy services in school.
  • State and local education agencies responsible for compliance, reporting, and funding administration.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced and Assigned: April 15, 2026.
  • Committee Assignment: Education Committee in the Delaware Senate.
  • Sponsors: A bipartisan group of co-sponsors, including Dave Wilson, Dave Lawson, Nicole Poore, Jack Walsh, Claire Snyder-Hall, and Eric Morrison.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

  • The bill will be reviewed by the Education Committee, which may hold hearings, amend the text, and vote on whether to advance it to the full Senate.
  • If advanced, the bill would proceed through the standard legislative timeline (becomes part of the Senate’s considerations, potentially moves to the House or a conference if there are differences, and ultimately to the Governor for signature).

Practical Implications to Watch

  • Any new or clarified requirements for OT service delivery in schools could affect budgets, staffing, and service provision timelines.
  • Changes to eligibility criteria or documentation requirements may impact IEP planning and student access to OT services.
  • Financial implications for districts, including potential changes in reimbursement or funding mechanisms, should be monitored once the full text is available.

If you provide the full text of SB 279, I can produce a more precise section-by-section analysis of the exact amendments to Title 14 and their concrete effects.

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

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