REFERENCE TITLE: study committee; individualized education programs

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-first Legislature First Regular Session 2013

SB 1298

Introduced by Senator Ableser

 

AN ACT

 

establishing the individualized education program study committee.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Individualized education program study committee; membership; powers and duties; report; delayed repeal

A.  The individualized education program study committee is established consisting of the following members:

1.  Four certificated teachers who are members of a statewide labor organization composed of teachers, one of whom is appointed by the president of the senate, one of whom is appointed by the minority leader of the senate, one of whom is appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and one of whom is appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.

2.  Four teachers who provide instruction at a charter school in this state, one of whom is appointed by the president of the senate, one of whom is appointed by the minority leader of the senate, one of whom is appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and one of whom is appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.

3.  Two public school administrators who are members of a statewide organization composed of school administrators and who are appointed by the superintendent of public instruction.

4.  One member who is a member of a statewide partnership devoted to education reform and innovation and who is appointed by the governor.

B.  The study committee shall select a chairperson and design a system in which an individualized education program is developed for every pupil who is enrolled in a public school in this state.

C.  The study committee may:

1.  Request information, data and reports from any state agency or political subdivision of this state.  If possible, information shall be provided electronically.

2.  Hold hearings, conduct fact-finding tours and take testimony from witnesses, including participants in the educational system, who may assist the committee in fulfilling its responsibilities.

D.  On the request of the study committee, an agency of this state, a school district or a charter school shall provide to the committee its services, equipment, documents, personnel and facilities to the extent possible without cost to the committee.

E.  The department of education and the state board for charter schools shall provide staff and support services to the committee.

F.  The committee shall meet at places and times as the chairperson deems necessary or convenient, and all meetings shall be open to the public.

G.  Members of the study committee are not eligible to receive compensation but are eligible for reimbursement of expenses pursuant to title 38, chapter 4, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes.

H.  On or before December 31, 2013, the study committee shall submit a report regarding its findings and recommendations to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate and provide a copy of its report to the secretary of state.  The report shall include the committee's recommendations, including any proposed legislation that may be required to implement the recommendations of the study committee.

I.  This section is repealed from and after September 30, 2014.