SCH CD-AUTISM SCHOLARSHIP PROG

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish and administer an Autism Scholarship Program. Provides that in the 2007-2008 school year and the 2008-2009 school year, upon receipt of an application from the parent or guardian of an eligible autistic child, the State Board shall award a scholarship to the child, which may be used only to pay tuition for the child to attend a special education program that implements the child's individualized education program and that is operated by (i) a school district other than the school district that the child has been attending or in which the child resides, (ii) another public entity, or (iii) a private provider approved by the State Board. Provides that the amount of the scholarship shall be $15,000 or the actual tuition charged by the special education program, whichever is less. Limits the number of scholarships that may be awarded through the Program in a school year to 200. Provides that the State Board shall annually decrease a school district's general State aid payment by an amount equal to the aggregate amount of scholarships awarded through the Program to pupils included in the school district's attendance calculation, which is the district where the student resides. Makes related changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.