SCS/HCS/HB 1614 - This act modifies "Bryce's Law," which, in part, requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to actively seek financial resources in the form of grants and donations that may be devoted to scholarship funds to eligible children to attend a qualified school or to clinical trials for behavioral interventions that may be undertaken. This act adds dyslexia to the list of conditions that are considered "qualifying needs" for purposes of "Bryce's Law." Dyslexia therapy is defined in the act.
Beginning in school year 2016-2017, the Commissioner of Education may adjust the allocation of the proportion of scholarships using information based on unmet needs and use patterns from the previous school years. The Commissioner must notify the State Board of Education of any changes for its approval. A student with dyslexia may become eligible for the program based on a medical or clinical diagnosis based on the C-TOPP assessment as an initial indicator of dyslexia and confirmed by further medical or clinical diagnosis.
MICHAEL RUFF