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Bill Summary · HJ 51

Summary — HJ 51: Request interim study on special education

Bill type: Joint Resolution (HJ 51)
Sponsor: Rep. Melissa Romano
Subject areas: Special education; developmental disabilities; schools and education; interim studies
Introduced: February 6, 2025
Final status: (H) Died in Process (May 22, 2025)

Purpose / Intent

HJ 51 is a legislative joint resolution requesting that the General Assembly conduct an interim study concerning special education. The resolution’s expressed intent is to direct legislative attention and fact‑finding on issues affecting students with disabilities, the delivery of special education services, and related institutional and system-level concerns so that the legislature can consider possible policy or statutory changes.

Key provisions (as described)

  • Authorizes/requests an interim study by the Legislature on topics related to special education and persons with developmental disabilities.
  • Relates broadly to schools and education, developmental disabilities, and institutional arrangements for services (specific study topics are not detailed in the version provided).

(Note: The bill text itself is not included in the materials provided; the summary above reflects the stated subject and purpose of the joint resolution rather than a detailed statutory amendment.)

Who would be affected

  • Students who receive special education services and their families.
  • Local school districts and special education departments.
  • State education and human services agencies involved in special education and developmental disability services.
  • Service providers, placement institutions, and advocacy organizations.
  • The General Assembly (through staff resources and interim committee workload).

Legislative history and timeline (key actions)

  • 2025-02-06: Referred to Joint Committee on Judiciary (initial referral).
  • 2025-02-10 / 2025-02-14: Public hearing held (Feb 14); Joint Favorable report filed and sent to LCO.
  • 2025-02-25: Favorable report; filed and placed on House Calendar (File No. 16, House Calendar #28).
  • 2025-04-09–04-23: Drafting and committee process in House Education; first reading and committee passage; 2nd and 3rd readings passed in House.
  • 2025-04-23: Transmitted to Senate.
  • 2025-04-24–04-29: Referred to Senate Education & Cultural Resources; committee action and 2nd reading concurrence.
  • 2025-04-30: Senate 3rd reading failed.
  • 2025-05-22: Died in Process (House).

Related: LC 1782 is listed as a replacement bill.

Potential impact and next steps

Because HJ 51 would have initiated an interim study rather than imposing immediate statutory changes, its direct near‑term impact would have been limited to data collection, stakeholder hearings, and development of recommendations for future legislation. Had the study proceeded, potential outcomes could include recommended statutory amendments, budget requests, or administrative changes aimed at improving special education services, workforce supports, placements, funding formulas, or oversight.

As introduced HJ 51 did not advance to enactment (it failed final Senate action and was later recorded as Died in Process). Future efforts to address the same issues could appear as replacement measures (e.g., LC 1782) or new interim study requests in subsequent sessions.

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

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