CS/HB 829 Summary

• Revises eligibility criteria for the John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program to include students with written diagnoses from physicians or psychologists, in addition to those with IEPs or 504 accommodation plans.

• Adds a physician's written diagnosis as an alternative eligibility pathway for students with documented disabilities and requires school districts to notify the Department of Education upon receiving such documentation.

• Modifies scholarship amount calculation for certain students, including specific provisions for students eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and those with physician-provided diagnoses based on current program cost factors.

• Establishes transition-to-work program requirements for private schools allowing students ages 17-22 without high school diplomas to participate in academic instruction, work skills training, and volunteer or paid work experience.

• Takes effect July 1, 2018.