The Oklahoma House Common Education Committee has approved Senate Bill 105, which seeks to remove barriers for students with special needs under the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program. The bill passed with a 6-5 vote and will now move to the House Education Oversight Committee for further review, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 105, introduced by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, proposes removing the requirement for students on an Individualized Education Program to attend a public school district before applying for a scholarship program. Caldwell stated, "Students with special needs or disabilities should receive services and accommodations that will advance their education from whatever school can best provide them." The bill also aims to remove language in the program's guidelines suggesting that accepting a scholarship means revoking consent for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, said, "Giving up consent to service is not allowed under the federal code and is therefore senseless language." Caldwell added, "Neither these students nor their parents should have to jump through hoops to appease public school lobbying groups by attending a public school first in order to obtain instruction that best meets their specific needs," as stated by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Oklahoma's scholarship program, established in 2011, provides financial assistance to around 1,500 students with disabilities, allowing them to attend private schools that meet their needs. The program includes students with an Individualized Service Plan from the Department of Human Services, children from military families new to Oklahoma, those transitioning from the SoonerStart program, and young people in out-of-home placement. Senate Bill 105 aims to improve inclusion in the state's education system and could expand educational opportunities for students with diverse needs, as reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
