Bill Alert: HB 233 We expect that HB 233 will be heard on the House Floor this week. HB 233 provides for students with significant disabilities to learn important skills for living independently, working, and supporting themselves as adults. The bill does this by reimbursing school districts who provide educational services to these students after 18, through the age of 20. - These services are for 18-year-olds who
- have not graduated,
- are receiving special education services from the school district,
- who are likely to be eligible for adult services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and
- who have an IEP identifying transition goals that focus on preparation for living and working in the community following graduation.
- Some students simply need more time to accomplish their goals. The extra two years provided by HB 233 will provide critical life-skills training – learning to live more independently, getting jobs and internships, building self-assurance and self-sufficiency, and home-making training.
- Many students with significant disability currently “age-out” of high school, finding themselves suddenly home alone, spending months and even years waiting for costly adult services with no prospects for employment or productive activity. The current waiting list for adult developmental disability services is 2300, and the average wait time is 3 years. Unfortunately, the good work to prepare students with disabilities at school until they are 18 can be lost, given the regression that often occurs when those skills are not consistently supported and taught.
- Why do we need this bill? Currently, the successful programs in Montana that provide services to these students are not reimbursed for the services they provide. This bill would not only reimburse these good programs but encourage other school districts to provide these services. HB 233 is not mandatory.
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