SB 103 Summary

• Establishes a framework for school districts to contract with residential psychiatric treatment centers licensed under AS 47.32 to provide educational services to admitted students

• Requires contracts to include 21 specified provisions covering admission policies, teacher-to-student ratios, curriculum alignment with state standards, special education services, staff qualifications, compliance with federal disability law, and reimbursement rates

• Creates a three-tier appeal process: residential psychiatric treatment centers may appeal school board contract rejections to the commissioner, then to the state Board of Education and Early Development, with the state board having final authority

• Mandates school boards approve contracts within 30 days if the center is licensed, submits complete contract documentation at least 60 days before the school year, the student is enrolled in the district, the student is admitted by court order or Department of Health and Social Services authorization, and the reimbursement rate is reasonable

• Automatically repeals the contracting framework on July 1, 2020