Special education; State Department of Education; develop standards; effective date.

HB 2246 requires Oklahoma's State Department of Education to develop standards implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's (IDEA) "least restrictive environment" requirement. This means the standards will ensure students with special needs are not unnecessarily excluded from regular classrooms. The bill directly affects students with disabilities and the State Department of Education, mandating specific policy development by November 1, 2025. The key provision is the creation of these standards to align state practices with federal IDEA requirements.