SB 25-073

Senate Bill 25-073, also known as the Military-Connected Children with Disabilities Act, ensures that children from military families who move into Colorado and have existing special education plans (IEPs or Section 504 plans) can enroll in any school district, charter school, or institute charter school without delays. The bill requires these schools to provide the necessary services and accommodations as outlined in the child’s current plan. It also mandates that local education providers inform military families about their rights and available special education supports to prevent any unintentional exclusion of these children from needed services. Since the governor has signed this bill into law, it is now enforceable statewide.

Official Summary

The act clarifies that the child of an inbound active duty military member (member) who has an existing individualized education program (IEP) or existing section 504 plan is eligible for open enrollment, remote enrollment, and guaranteed matriculation. The act requires the school district, district charter school, or an institute charter school (local education provider) where the child enrolls to ensure the student receives the appropriate services and accommodations, consistent with the child's existing IEP or section 504 plan, without unreasonable delay upon enrollment. The act requires each local education provider to take reasonable steps to notify members and their families of their rights, including providing information on special education services to prevent inadvertent exclusion and to ensure members and their families are fully informed of available supports. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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