Committee hears bill to integrate IEP transition plans with statewide high school‑and‑beyond system

The committee heard staff briefing and questions on second substitute Senate Bill 5,969, which would expand requirements for the statewide online Individualized Education Program (IEP) system so transition plans are integrated with the universal online High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) platform, reducing duplication and aligning post‑school transition planning.

Ethan Moreno summarized the policy background: IEPs must include transition planning for eligible students approaching adulthood, and prior legislation directed the superintendent of public instruction to develop and maintain a statewide online IEP system and a universal HSBP platform. The bill instructs the IEP system to integrate a student's transition plan with the universal HSBP platform "to the greatest extent possible" and to reduce duplication between the two plans.

Members asked about fiscal notes and statutory obligations. The chair noted a fiscal note reflecting the current bill version had been requested; staff said they would follow up. Committee members also asked whether an IEP transition plan directly affects the delivery of student services and whether such plans are required under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); staff answered that transition plans do form part of the services in an IEP and said they would confer with the committee attorney to confirm statutory citations.

Vice Chair Shavers read the sign‑in totals for the record (transcript readout: "24 pro, 188 cons, 0 other") and closed the public hearing. No committee vote or additional action was taken at the hearing; staff were asked to pursue the outstanding fiscal and legal clarifications.

Next steps: Staff to obtain a fiscal note reflecting the current provisions and to confirm the statutory relationship between IEP transition plans and IDEA requirements.