HB5062 Summary

• Amends the School Code to require students with disabilities who complete 4 years of high school and whose parents decline transition services to receive a regular high school diploma beginning with the 2022-2023 school year.

• Maintains existing requirement that school districts must have policies allowing students with disabilities who complete 4 years of high school to participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate of completion if continuing special education services.

• Establishes that awarding a high school diploma to a student with a disability constitutes termination of eligibility for special education and related services under federal law.

• Requires school districts to provide timely and meaningful written notice to students with disabilities and their parents or guardians about graduation ceremony participation policies.

• Directs the State Board of Education to monitor and enforce compliance with the provisions; effective July 1, 2022.