Vermont S 233: An act relating to uniform licensing standards

Bill Text

BILL AS INTRODUCED S.233
2026 Page 1 of 3

VT LEG #385799 v.2
S.233 1
Introduced by Senators White, Clarkson and Major 2
Referred to Committee on 3
Date: 4
Subject: Education; special education; DCF; parent child center network 5
Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to appropriate 6
$250,000.00 to the Agency of Human Services to establish a two-year pilot 7
program that awards grants to develop special education family advocacy pilot 8
programs. 9
An act relating to establishing a special education family advocacy pilot 10
program 11
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 12
Sec. 1. SPECIAL EDUCATION FAMILY ADVOCACY PILOT PROGRAM 13
(a) In fiscal year 2027, $250,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund 14
to the Agency of Human Services to establish a two-year pilot program that 15
awards grants to develop special education family advocacy pilot programs. 16
The pilot programs shall aim to: 17
(1) ensure that families of kindergarten through grade 12 students have 18
access to knowledgeable, neutral advocates to guide them through the 19

BILL AS INTRODUCED S.233
2026 Page 2 of 3

VT LEG #385799 v.2
individualized education program (IEP) process, including access to in-person 1
support during IEP meetings; 2
(2) strengthen collaboration between schools and parents; and 3
(3) help prevent costly disputes and due process hearings by addressing 4
issues early. 5
(b) The Agency shall seek applications from school districts, parent child 6
centers, and other interested nonprofit organizations. Successful applicants 7
shall submit an application to the Agency describing how the applicant, if 8
awarded a grant, shall: 9
(1) train advocates to provide direct support for parents of children with 10
disabilities in grades kindergarten through 12 through the IEP process; 11
(2) provide trainings for parents to prepare and empower them to 12
advocate on their own during the IEP process; and 13
(3) collaborate with school districts with the goal of supporting all 14
involved parties to work together in the best interests of students. 15
(c) On or before November 15, 2027, the Agency shall submit a written 16
report to the House Committees on Education and on Human Services and to 17
the Senate Committees on Education and on Health and Welfare evaluating the 18
pilot program created pursuant to this section and any recommended future 19
actions. In drafting the report required pursuant to this subsection, the Agency 20
shall seek the input of the Agency of Education in evaluating the need for and 21

BILL AS INTRODUCED S.233
2026 Page 3 of 3

VT LEG #385799 v.2
effectiveness of the pilot program and include the Agency of Education’s 1
response as part of the report. 2
Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 3
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026. 4