State Legislation

Date Introduced: 2/5/24

Status: PASSED 5/21/24

Date Introduced: 1/16/24

Status: CARRIED OVER to any special session of the 131st Legislature. 

This appropriations bill, signed in 2023, increased the Florida CTP scholarship amount for eligible students from a maximum of $7,000 to $15,000. Student eligibility is detailed in section 1004.6485(7) of Florida Statues. Eligibility requirements include eligibility requirements for a student attending a CTP (Comprehensive Transition Program) in general, and must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress in the FPCTP, as determined by the eligible institution that the student attends.

This appropriations bill increased the number of inclusive postsecondary education programs and funding allotted to community colleges. This expansion to fifteen programs at community colleges includes opportunities for micro credentials or other credentials that lead to increased employment outcomes. A proposed $3.9 million is identified for the the community college portion of the bill.

Introduced in 2023, but not passed, HB 5146 would have established the Building Better Futures Program, that supports funding for Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board would have administered the Program and adopted rules and policies, potentially creating application process for eligible institutions to apply for funding. Eligibility criteria for both colleges and students to participate would be established.

Introduced in the 2023 session, but not passed, this bill would provide individuals with intellectual disabilities attending a comprehensive transition program to receive waiver of tuition if the student is a veteran or other military personnel. The bill amends Section 54.001 Education to include the federal definition of a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program. It amends Sec 54.341 to include students who are admitted to attend or attend a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities in Texas’ existing veterans tuition waiver.

This legislation, introduced in 2023 but not passed, requires Higher Education Coordinating Commission to work with Portland State University and community colleges to establish post-secondary program for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This bill, introduced in 2023 but not passed, would have established the Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities act. The bill, introduced in both the House and Senate in spring 2023, would provide inclusive educational opportunities for a student with disability in order to improve academic achievement, employment, independent living skills, and independent learning. The bill outlines the programs guidelines and requirements for universities and college to follow, and identifies student qualifications for attendance.

Introduced in 2023, a portion of this Act would have amended 70 O.S. 2021, Section 626.7, allowing opportunities for tuition aid grants to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrolled in a postsecondary education program. While the bill passed, the portion specific to students with intellectual disability was removed before the final version was passed.

Reintroduced in 2023, this bill would expand the existing inclusive college programs in California by requiring the California State University, and requesting the University of California, to establish and maintain inclusive college programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at 4-year public postsecondary educational institutions. Existing law already provides for the definition and functions of these programs in California – such as person-centered planning, and inclusive environments, supports and services.