MO SB657

Establishes restrictions on who can serve as commissioners for special education due process hearings, including a five-year prohibition on employment by school districts, special education advocacy organizations, state education agencies, or participation as attorneys or parties in prior special education proceedings.

Prohibits the Administrative Hearing Commission from contracting with or employing independent contractors or consultants who have worked for school districts, advocacy organizations, or state education agencies within the last five years, or who have been party to special education proceedings.

Requires commissioners to be assigned within 15 days of receiving a due process hearing request and mandates they have knowledge or training involving children with disabilities and meet training requirements under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

Creates the "Administrative Hearing Commission Educational Due Process Hearing Fund" in the state treasury, with all expenditures for special education due process hearings appropriated directly to this fund rather than to the state board of education or department of elementary and secondary education.

Requires the administrative hearing commission to conform all practices, procedures, filing deadlines, and response times to federal requirements under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.