DE HB48

Extends state funding for basic special education to kindergarten through third grade (K-3), with funding previously limited to grades 4-12.

Implements phased-in funding over four school years: 14.2 students per unit (2019-2020), 12.2 students (2020-2021), 10.2 students (2021-2022), and 8.4 students (2022-2023 and thereafter).

Maintains separate counting of K-3 basic special education students from 4-12 basic special education students until the 2021-2022 school year to account for different unit values during the transition period.

Aims to promote earlier identification and intervention for students with basic special education needs to mitigate long-term costs.

Establishes that K-3 basic special education units maintain the same provisions as 4-12 units, including teacher salary schedule tie-ins and coverage under the 98% rule for funding distribution to schools.