Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
03/10/2016 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB190 | |
| HB76 | |
| SB191 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 76 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 190 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 191 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 76-GOV COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES/SPECIAL ED
3:48:29 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the consideration of HB 76. He said it
has a zero fiscal note.
GRACE ABBOTT, Staff, Representative Charisse Millett, Alaska
State Legislature, introduced HB 76 on behalf of the sponsor.
She read the sponsor statement:
The mission of the Governor's Council on Disabilities
and Special Education is to, "[create] change that
improves the lives of Alaskans with disabilities".
Since 1978, the Council has provided a constructive
process that has connected the public with
policymakers to ensure the thoughtful development of
an efficient and seamless service delivery system that
meets the needs of individuals with disabilities
across their life spans.
However, within their enabling statutes, the State of
Alaska also included "gifted" persons among the
individuals that the Council need work for and
support. The Council believes the term "gifted" to be
confusing and ill-fitting within the scope of their
aims and objectives. Furthermore, they believe
"gifted" should be removed for the following reasons:
Exceptionality is not a disability that entitles
students to special education. Gifted education is a
regular education program over which the Council has
no oversight.
Gifted children are not eligible for additional
services under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) or the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), policies whose adherence is
required per the Council's responsibilities.
Neither federal nor state law provide for special
employment benefits, or special avenues through which
to advocate for employment for those classified as
gifted.
The Governor's Council works tirelessly to advocate
for and access housing, employment, independent
living, health, transportation and community inclusion
for Alaskans with disabilities. Removing the word
"gifted" from their enabling statutes allows Alaska
law to be updated with the most accurate
representation of the mission and work of the Council,
as well as provide future Council membership with a
clear roadmap for success.
3:51:03 PM
MS. ABBOTT presented the bill sectional:
Section One: Removes the word "gifted" from the
Governor's council on disabilities and special
education's enabling statute.
Section Two: Removes reference to gifted persons in
the council's list of statutory responsibilities and
updates references to reflect current U.S. law
regarding state councils on developmental disabilities
and designated state agencies.
3:51:39 PM
SENATOR GARDNER asked if there has been any opposition to the
bill.
MS. ABBOTT said no.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if it is a clean-up bill.
MS. ABBOTT said yes. She explained that the Governor's Council
of Disabilities and Special Education has been around since 1978
and their advocacy has been strong and consistent for disabled
Alaskans. School districts have taken the lead on the education
and qualification of gifted students.
3:52:36 PM
PATRICK REINHART, Staff, Governor's Council on Disabilities and
Special Education, presented information on HB 76. He agreed the
bill is a clean-up of their enabling statute.
CHRISTIE REINHARDT, Staff, Governor's Council on Disabilities
and Special Education, presented information on HB 76. She
explained that when the council was created in 1978, the law
that covered special education was the Handicapped Children
Education Act and it addressed gifted education. Current law,
the Individuals with Disability Education Act, does not include
gifted education. It has created confusion for some parents
looking for advocacy for improvement of gifted education within
school districts. She pointed out that gifted education is the
responsibility of local school districts as part of general
education. There is no special funding at the state or federal
level for gifted education and it does not fall under the
purview of the council.
3:55:09 PM
SENATOR GARDNER understood that gifted education does not fall
under the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special
Education.
MS. REINHARDT said yes.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY opened public testimony. He held HB 76 in
committee.