SB 136 Summary

• Transfers responsibility for early intervention services for children ages birth to 3 from the Department of Health and Social Services to the Department of Education, effective July 1, 2023.

• Creates Chapter 31A in Title 14 establishing the Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program aligned with federal IDEA requirements for comprehensive, coordinated, interagency services.

• Requires early intervention service providers to complete the same background checks and child abuse prevention training as school employees.

• Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Council with 23 members to oversee program implementation and requires it to hold at least one joint meeting annually with the Governor's Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens.

• Adds the Interagency Coordinating Council chair as a member of the Early Childhood Council to improve coordination between early childhood and special education advisory bodies.