Relating to standards for instructional assistants.

HB 2509 requires Oregon's State Board of Education to establish training and qualification standards for instructional assistants working with students who have disabilities, directly affecting these assistants and school districts. The bill mandates that standards ensure assistants have appropriate content knowledge and skills before working with any student or in specific roles for over 30 days, with additional requirements for those providing direct support to students with complex needs. School districts must comply with these standards by July 1, 2028, and the State Board must create the rules by July 1, 2026, with input from an advisory committee including parents, special education staff, and disability advocates. The law aims to align Oregon's practices with federal special education requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.