This legislation, titled the IDEA Full Funding Act , seeks to amend Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure full federal funding for special education and related services. It introduces a new mandatory funding structure, replacing the previous authorization of appropriations with specific, increasing appropriations for each fiscal year. The bill outlines a phased approach to increase federal contributions, starting in fiscal year 2026 and culminating in fiscal year 2035. By FY2035, the federal appropriation for IDEA Part B will reach 40 percent of the amount determined by multiplying the total number of eligible children with disabilities by the national average per-pupil expenditure. For each fiscal year from 2026 to 2035, the bill specifies both a fixed dollar amount and a percentage of the calculated total, appropriating whichever is greater. These funds are designated to become available for obligation on July 1st of the preceding fiscal year (or the fiscal year itself for subsequent years after 2035) and remain available through September 30th of the following fiscal year, ensuring consistent support for educational services for children with disabilities.
This legislation, titled the IDEA Full Funding Act , seeks to amend Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure full federal funding for special education and related services. It introduces a new mandatory funding structure, replacing the previous authorization of appropriations with specific, increasing appropriations for each fiscal year. The bill outlines a phased approach to increase federal contributions, starting in fiscal year 2026 and culminating in fiscal year 2035. By FY2035, the federal appropriation for IDEA Part B will reach 40 percent of the amount determined by multiplying the total number of eligible children with disabilities by the national average per-pupil expenditure. For each fiscal year from 2026 to 2035, the bill specifies both a fixed dollar amount and a percentage of the calculated total, appropriating whichever is greater. These funds are designated to become available for obligation on July 1st of the preceding fiscal year (or the fiscal year itself for subsequent years after 2035) and remain available through September 30th of the following fiscal year, ensuring consistent support for educational services for children with disabilities.