Brian (state staff) briefed the executive committee on federal developments affecting special-education oversight and monitoring.

Brian said federal appropriations continue under a continuing resolution and that the line-item for special education remains intact. "The $15,400,000,000 that comes down federally is still there," he said. He also told the committee that OSEP’s monitoring work is continuing, but that several states have not received final monitoring reports because a required approval office is not processing them; states in that group were advised to continue corrective actions identified by OSEP even if the formal report has not been returned.

Committee members asked whether the federal changes should prompt SAC action. Brian said that, as of the briefing, states continue to receive monitoring contacts and funding, but that administrative delays mean some reports will not be released in the near term. He also noted litigation and legislation activity: members discussed a legal challenge originally styled Texas v. Becerra that had targeted aspects of Section 504, and members said the Connecticut legislature is considering codifying Section 504 protections in state law as a backstop if federal rules change.

Members asked for an update at the full SAC meeting so chairs can answer member questions about potential federal changes and monitoring timelines; Brian agreed to provide further information.