Bill Text: MO HB836 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced

Missouri House Bill 836 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Requires the Division of Special Education to develop a program to provide ombudsman services to children and families regarding special education programs and services

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-04-04 - Public Hearing Completed (H) [HB836 Detail]

Download: Missouri-2011-HB836-Introduced.html

FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 836

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE SCHARNHORST.

1423L.01I D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To amend chapter 162, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to ombudsman services for children with disabilities.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 162, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 162.949, to read as follows:

162.949. 1. The division of special education within the department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and coordinate a program to provide ombudsman services to children and families in this state regarding special education programs and special education services and to provide support to students with disabilities and their parents, guardians, and educators. A head ombudsman shall be appointed by the governor and such appointee shall serve as director of the ombudsman program.

2. The program shall:

(a) Provide information to help families and educators understand state and federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to special education services and to access training and support, technical information services, and mediation services as appropriate;

(b) Act as a liaison between parents and school administrative units;

3. A representative from the program shall be present at all IEP meetings for special needs children. In the event the parties involved in an IEP meeting are unable to agree on an issue, the matter shall be resolved by the head ombudsman appointed under the authority of subsection 1 of this section.

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