Portantino Special Education Bill Passes Senate Floor
For Immediate Release: May 26, 2022
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Portantino Special Education Bill Passes Senate Floor
Sacramento, CA –Senate Bill 1016, authored by State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) passed the Senate Floor. The measure would enhance special education services for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is currently not a recognized category for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It is also not named as a disorder under the Other Health Impaired category by the California Department of Education. SB 1016 seeks to remedy these circumstances.
“With early intervention and appropriate education services, individuals with an FASD can achieve their full potential and lead productive lives,” stated Senator Portantino. “For this reason, it’s critical that we include FASD as part of special education services. Failure to do so will have detrimental effects for children and their families.”
Students with the most prevalent developmental disability in the US are being under-served in school districts across the state, with detrimental lifelong consequences.. SB 1016 requires FASD to be included under the “other health impairment” definition for Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The bill also expands eligibility for students with FASD to receive the special education and related services they deserve and need.
“We are excited that SB 1016 has passed the Senate Floor with bipartisan support. As advocates in the field and as impacted families, we are thrilled at the prospect of improving outcomes for students struggling with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders,” stated Christine Clifford with FASD Now!, a sponsor of SB 1016. “We look forward to seeing the bill advance through the Assembly,” she added.
Senator Portantino has long been advocating for policies that improve mental health and education outcomes for our youth. He has authored legislation that implements mental health education and training in schools, requires early screening for risk of dyslexia, and requires schools to print the suicide hotline on student identification cards. Additionally, the Senator dedicated three years to pass SB 328, which pushes back school start times for middle and high schools.
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