Senate Bill S3108

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S3108

SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to notice of the termi-
nation of special therapy services by school districts

 
PURPOSE:

To require that school districts provide parents or legal guardians with
a minimum of 60 days notice prior to terminating special therapy
services provided by the school district.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Amends the education law by adding a new section 3037 that requires the
superintendent of a school district that provides physical therapy,
occupational therapy, or any other special therapy services to any
student with special needs, to notify the parent or legal guardian, in
writing, not less than 60 days prior to the termination of such
              

services.

In addition, it requires that the school district website post a notice
of termination of services not less than 60 days prior to the end of
such services.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Students who receive special services such as physical therapy, occupa-
tional therapy and similar services have special needs which must be
addressed in order for the student to succeed in school. Very often,
these services are terminated or discontinued with little or no notice,
leaving a gap whereby the student does not receive the services and are
delayed in their academic progress as a result.  Requiring school
districts to provide a minimum of 60 days notice of termination of these
services will allow the parents or legal guardians ample time to secure
alternative methods of services for their child.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2017: S. 3683 - Referred to Senate Education Committee.
2018: S. 3683 - Referred to Senate Education Committee.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.