DE HB464

Establishes an independent Equity Ombudsman Program contracted by the Department of Education to address systemic inequities and individual student discrimination cases involving protected classes under Delaware and Federal law.

Creates the Educational Equity Council to oversee the Ombudsman Program, approve RFP development and grant awards, and provide annual reports to the Governor and legislature on educational equity progress.

Awards the ombudsman contract to a Delaware-based nonprofit organization and funds it at not less than $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 per year depending on implementation phase.

Authorizes ombudspersons to act as non-lawyer advocates for students and families in school disputes, refer cases for pro bono legal services, and refer cases for litigation when reasonable resolution attempts fail and conditions are met.

Requires Local Education Agencies or State Educational agencies to pay plaintiffs' legal fees and expert witness costs when plaintiffs prevail on at least one claim and the referral was affirmed by a 2/3 vote of the Educational Equity Council.