IL SB0517

Creates the High-Cost Special Education Funding Commission to recommend an alternative funding structure for high-cost special education students aligned with Illinois's evidence-based funding formula.

Commission composition includes 4 legislative representatives (one each from House Speaker, House Minority Leader, Senate President, and Senate Minority Leader), plus the State Superintendent of Education, Director of Management and Budget, and Chairperson of the Advisory Council on Education of Children with Disabilities.

State Superintendent must appoint 9 additional members within 60 days, including representatives from private special education schools, special education cooperatives, educators, school administrators, business officials, and residential programs; appointees must reflect racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity.

Commission shall review current high-cost special education funding systems, student needs and associated costs, funding models used in other states, and existing proposals and best practices.

Commission must submit recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by November 30, 2021, and the Commission is repealed on December 31, 2022.