SCH CD-AUTISM SCHOLARSHIP PROG

Amends the School Code. Establishes the Autism Scholarship Program to permit the parent of a qualified special education child the choice to send the child to a special education program, instead of the one operated by or for the school district in which the child is entitled to attend school, to receive the services prescribed in the child's individualized education program once the individualized education program is finalized. Requires the State Board of Education to pay a scholarship of up to $20,000 to the parent of each qualified special education child upon application. Provides that each scholarship shall be used only to pay tuition for the child on whose behalf the scholarship is awarded to attend a special education program that implements the child's individualized education program and that is operated by an alternative public provider or by a registered private provider. Contains provisions concerning limitations on the amount, award, and use of a scholarship, transportation costs, payments, approval of private providers, and rules. Effective immediately.