HB 23-1263

HB 23-1263, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, requires schools to provide IEP (Individualized Education Program) documents in the primary language spoken at home for children who need special education services. This means that if a parent requests it, the school must translate both draft and final IEP documents into their preferred language and inform them about this translation service option. The bill aims to help non-English speaking parents better understand and participate in their child’s educational planning process.

Official Summary

The act permits the multidisciplinary team that creates an individualized education program (IEP) for a child, who may be eligible for special education services, to translate or contract with a translation services provider to translate the IEP draft documents into the dominant language spoken in the home of the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian (parent). Upon request of the child's parent, the multidisciplinary team is required to translate or contract with a translation services provider to translate the final IEP document into the dominant language spoken in the home of the child's parent. The IEP team shall verbally inform the child's parent of the right to request translation services. APPROVED by Governor May 25, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Votes