Special education: pilot program.

Existing law requires that every individual with exceptional needs, as defined, who is eligible be provided with educational instruction, services, or both, at no cost to their parent or guardian or, as appropriate, to them. A free appropriate public education is required to be made available to individuals with exceptional needs in accordance with specified federal regulations adopted pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This bill, until January 1, 2023, would establish a pilot program to be administered by the county offices of education in the Counties of El Dorado, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, and Sonoma to improve the social and behavioral skills of pupils who are autistic or have other special needs, as specified. The bill would require those county offices of education and school districts to submit a specified report to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 2 on Education Finance no later than January 1, 2022. By requiring the county offices of education in the Counties of El Dorado, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, and Sonoma, to participate in the pilot program, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.