2001-01-17                     House Journal                      Page 0112
was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and                                    
Finance Committees.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
HB 71                                                                                             
HOUSE BILL NO. 71 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                        
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act relating to the education of children with disabilities and                            
     of gifted children; relating to the Governor's Council on                                      
     Disabilities and Special Education; making conforming                                          
     amendments; and providing for an effective date."                                              
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Special Committee on                                    
Education and the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance                                   
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development                                                    
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15, 2001, appears                                   
below:                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
Alaska's responsibility for providing quality educational services for                              
our children extends to all children, including those with unique                                   
educational needs.  I transmit today a bill clarifying the state's role in                          
the education of our exceptional children.                                                          
                                                                                                    
In 1997, Congress authorized amendments to the Individuals with                                     
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The subsequent federal                                          
regulations related to the IDEA took effect in May 1999.  This bill                                 
amends inconsistent components of our state statutes to bring Alaska                                
into compliance with these current federal special education mandates,                              
including emphasizing the participation of parents in making decisions                              
relating to special education eligibility and services.                                             
                                                                                                    
An important protection provided to both school districts and children                              
with disabilities is the due process hearing.  This bill clarifies the