Why 2/5: The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027, providing significant lead time before implementation.
This bill would require K-6 special education classes to have a maximum age range of four years, unless an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team specifically determines and justifies an exception. This change aims to ensure students with disabilities are placed in more age-appropriate educational settings, potentially impacting school operations and IEP planning for affected students.
Update
Passed by for the day
Third reading
Read third time
Amendment adopted
Education and Health Amendment agreed to
Update
Engrossed by Senate as amended
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate with amendment (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Amendment adopted
Senate amendment agreed to by House (71-Y 28-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB461ER)
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Special education; certain educational settings, student age range restriction.”) · Read the actual bill →
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB461)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 617 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0617)