SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bipartisanship effort by central Illinois lawmakers will improve access for records of special education students in the state in the new year.
25 News reports the law will make it easier to understand who can see mental health and developmental services records for such students.
Democratic State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria worked on the legislation with an advocacy group, who told him the uncertainties made care difficult at times.
“It puts the responsibility and the authority back where it belongs and that’s with the parents. But, understanding that parents want the best for their child and they want to be able to have the help of professionals,” Koehler said.
Parents or guardians of special education students will be able to request records, regardless of the child’s age, when it was previously limited as the child got older. They will also be able to choose which school staffers to share the information with.
Republican State Senator Li Arellano Junior of Dixon also sponsored the bill. He believes the bill will help parents be more active in their child’s care, and have a system that’s less bureaucratic.
The new law goes into effect January 1st.
Comments