CA AB967

Establishes the COVID-19 Special Education Fund in the State Treasury to provide one-to-one matching funds to local educational agencies for special education services and dispute resolution related to COVID-19 pandemic learning disruptions.

Requires local educational agencies to submit applications through their special education local plan area, which must verify in writing that conditions have been met including individualized determinations of pupil needs and good faith dispute resolution efforts.

Authorizes fund expenditures for prevention and early intervention in conflicts, voluntary alternative dispute resolution, parent education and outreach to families facing language barriers, and individualized education program services related to COVID-19 school disruptions.

Requires the State Department of Education to issue guidance within 60 days on conducting individualized determinations of COVID-19 impacts and notify local educational agencies within 30 days of their eligible funding amounts based on the number of pupils with disabilities.

Makes implementation contingent upon an appropriation of state or federal funds in the annual Budget Act or another statute and prohibits use of these one-time funds to supplant existing expenditures or pay attorney's fees.