MO SB595

Transfers administration of special education due process hearings from the State Board of Education to the Administrative Hearing Commission, with hearings to be conducted by a single commissioner instead of a three-member panel.

Establishes strict conflict-of-interest requirements for commissioners, prohibiting those employed within the last five years by school districts, special education advocacy organizations, the state board of education, or the department of elementary and secondary education, or who have been party to special education proceedings.

Requires at least three commissioners to receive 10 hours of initial special education training and minimum 5 hours of annual continuing education, selected in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the IDEA-funded parent training center.

Creates the "Administrative Hearing Commission Educational Due Process Hearing Fund" as a dedicated fund to pay for expenditures related to due process hearings and state and federal legislation compliance.

Declares sections 621.253 and 621.255 as emergency provisions effective immediately upon passage and approval.