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Bill

Bill

S 430

TICKET Act

119th Congress Introduced by Ted Cruz

Bill S 430 establishes a commission to improve special education funding in Massachusetts, ensuring equitable resources and better outcomes for students with disabilities.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 430

Summary of Bill S 430: An Act Relative to the Long-Term Fiscal Health and Sustainability of Special Education in the Commonwealth

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 430 aims to address the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education funding in Massachusetts. The bill seeks to establish a special commission tasked with reviewing the current financing structure for special education, evaluating its effectiveness, and making recommendations to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several critical provisions, including:

  1. Formation of a Special Commission:

    • A commission will be established to study Chapter 71B of the General Laws, focusing on special education financing.
    • The commission will consist of various stakeholders, including legislators, education officials, and representatives from educational organizations.

  2. Goals of the Commission:

    • Ensure that special education funds are sufficient for schools to provide high-quality education in the least restrictive environment.
    • Recognize the varying resources required for students with different disabilities.
    • Provide equitable funding to districts based on the number of students receiving special education services and local resources available.
    • Promote stability and predictability in funding to aid effective budgeting and multi-year planning.
    • Ensure that the funding system discourages under or misdiagnosis of disabilities and encourages innovative educational practices.
    • Include provisions for transportation costs related to special education, with a reimbursement rate of not less than 90%.

  3. Public Engagement:

    • The commission is required to conduct at least four public hearings across different regions of the Commonwealth to gather input before finalizing its recommendations.

  4. Reporting Requirements:

    • The commission must file its report with the clerks of both the House of Representatives and the Senate by June 30, 2027. The report will also be made publicly available.

  5. Amendments to Existing Laws:

    • The bill proposes amendments to Section 5A of Chapter 71B, increasing the reimbursement threshold for special education funding from 75% to 90%.

Affected Parties

The bill will impact:
- Students with Disabilities: Aims to improve educational outcomes and access to resources.
- School Districts: Changes in funding structures will affect budgeting and resource allocation.
- Educational Stakeholders: Involvement of various organizations and representatives in the commission will ensure diverse perspectives are considered.

Procedural Aspects

  • Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing is set for November 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room B-1, allowing for public input on the bill.
  • Legislative Timeline: The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, and has been referred to the committee on Education.

Conclusion

Bill S 430 represents a significant effort to reassess and improve the funding mechanisms for special education in Massachusetts. By establishing a dedicated commission and setting clear goals for equitable and sustainable funding, the bill aims to enhance educational opportunities for students with disabilities across the Commonwealth.

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

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