72-3442. Special education and related services funding task force; membership; duties. (a) There is hereby established the special education and related services funding task force. The task force shall be composed of 11 members, as follows:

(1) Two members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(2) two members appointed by the president of the senate;

(3) one member appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives;

(4) one member appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

(5) one member appointed by the state board of education;

(6) two members appointed by the state department of education who are professionals in the field of special education and related services;

(7) one member appointed by the state department of education who is a professional in early childhood developmental services and provides services for a tiny-K program; and

(8) one member who shall be a parent of a student who receives special education services. In calendar year 2023, and every second succeeding calendar year thereafter, such member shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. In calendar year 2024, and every second succeeding calendar year thereafter, such member shall be appointed by the president of the senate.

(b) Members shall be appointed to the task force on or before July 1, 2023. The speaker of the house of representatives shall designate one member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives to call the first meeting of the task force. Any vacancy in the membership of the task force shall be filled by appointment in the same manner prescribed by this section for the original appointment.

(c) (1) If approved by the legislative coordinating council, members of the task force attending meetings authorized by the task force shall be paid amounts for expenses, mileage and subsistence as provided in K.S.A. 75-3223(e), and amendments thereto.

(2) The members of the task force shall select a chairperson and vice chairperson from the membership of the task force.

(3) The task force may meet at any time and at any place within the state on the call of the chairperson. A quorum of the task force shall be six members. All actions of the task force shall be by motion adopted by a majority of those voting members present when there is a quorum.

(4) In accordance with K.S.A. 46-1204, and amendments thereto, the legislative coordinating council may provide for such professional services as may be requested by the task force.

(5) The staff of the office of revisor of statutes, the legislative research department and the division of legislative administrative services shall provide such assistance as may be requested by the task force. The state board of education shall provide consultants and assistance when requested by the task force. The state board of education and school districts shall provide any information or documentation requested by the task force.

(d) The special education and related services funding task force shall:

(1) Study and make recommendations for changes in the existing formula for funding of special education and related services;

(2) conduct hearings and receive and consider suggestions from teachers, parents, the department of education, the state board of education, other governmental officers and agencies and the general public concerning funding for special education and related services; and

(3) make and submit reports to the legislature on the work of the task force concerning recommendations of the task force. Such reports shall include recommendations for legislative changes and be submitted to the legislature on or before January 14 of each year.

History: L. 2023, ch. 98, § 7; June 8.