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SB 72

Individual Education Plans

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gayle Harrell

SB 72 ensures timely evaluations and services for students with disabilities, empowering parents with rights and information to advocate effectively for their children.

Referred to Education Pre-K - 12; Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education; Rules
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Bill Summary · SB 72

Summary of SB 72: Individual Education Plans

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 72
- Title: Individual Education Plans
- Introduced: March 13, 2025
- Status: Referred to Education Pre-K - 12; Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education; Rules
- Effective Date: July 1, 2026
- Sponsor: Senator Harrell

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SB 72 is to enhance the process surrounding Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities in Florida. The bill aims to ensure timely evaluations and the provision of services, while also empowering parents and guardians with rights and information regarding their child's education.

Key Provisions

SB 72 introduces several significant changes to the existing laws governing IEPs:

  1. Timely Evaluations and Meetings:

    • School districts are required to complete an initial evaluation to determine IEP eligibility within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent.
    • An IEP team meeting must be convened within 30 calendar days after a student is deemed eligible.

  2. Notification of Service Provision:

    • If a related service identified in a student’s IEP is not provided as scheduled, the school district must notify the parent or guardian in writing within 5 school days. This notification must include the reason for the missed service and a plan for make-up services.

  3. Parental Rights:

    • Parents or guardians have the right to request access to service provider logs or progress notes within 15 school days after services are provided. School districts are required to inform parents of this right at each IEP meeting.

  4. Individualized Orientation for Parents:

    • Each school district must provide an individualized orientation for parents or guardians of newly identified students eligible for exceptional student education services. This orientation will cover:
      • Procedural safeguards
      • Parental rights and responsibilities
      • Instructions for accessing service logs
      • Instructions for filing complaints with the Department of Education
    • A signed acknowledgment from the parent or guardian confirming receipt of the orientation must be obtained and documented. Annual refresher orientations are also mandated.

  5. Record Keeping:

    • All acknowledgment forms from orientations must be retained in the student’s education records.

Impact

SB 72 is expected to significantly impact students with disabilities and their families by:
- Ensuring more timely evaluations and services, which can lead to better educational outcomes.
- Providing parents with clearer rights and access to information, thus enhancing their ability to advocate for their children.
- Improving communication between school districts and families regarding the provision of services.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on September 24, 2025, and has been referred to relevant committees for further consideration.
  • If passed, the provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.

This summary provides an overview of SB 72, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impact on students with disabilities and their families in Florida.

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

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