(a) The purpose of the Legislature, in enacting this chapter, is to recognize that individuals with exceptional needs, as defined in Section 56026, between 3 and 21 years of age, residing in California’s state hospitals and developmental centers, are entitled to, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.), the same access to educational programs as is provided for individuals with exceptional needs residing in our communities.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that services shall be provided in the community near the individual state hospitals and developmental centers to the maximum extent appropriate, and in the least restrictive environment.
(c) It is the further intent of the Legislature to ensure equal access to the educational process and to a full continuum of educational services for all individuals, regardless of their physical residence.
(d) It is the further intent of the Legislature that educational services designated for state hospital or developmental center residents not eligible for services mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) shall not be reduced or limited in any manner as a result of the enactment of this chapter.
(e) It is the further intent of the Legislature that any cooperative agreements to provide educational services for state hospitals and developmental centers shall seek to maximize federal financial participation in funding these services.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 44, Sec. 1. (AB 121) Effective July 10, 2023.)