CO SB215

Creates the Parents Encouraging Parents Conference program for parents of children with disabilities, with the department of education authorized to provide up to four conferences per year subject to available federal or state funding.

Requires conferences to include at least one overnight stay at a venue equipped for regional needs, with the department providing lodging and food to all participants subject to available funding.

Mandates conference curriculum cover stages of grieving, special education in Colorado, legal rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, regional work sessions on family and school partnerships, and parent advocacy strategies.

Establishes that parents of children with disabilities are eligible to attend conferences, encouraged to participate as couples or with a support person, and must complete an application process developed by the department.

Appropriates $68,000 from the general fund to the department of education for the 2019-20 state fiscal year to implement the Parents Encouraging Parents Conferences.