IDEA Full Funding Act

# IDEA Full Funding Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The IDEA Full Funding Act aims to increase federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law that requires schools to provide special education services to students with disabilities. Currently, the federal government covers only about 14% of the costs associated with IDEA, leaving states and local school districts to fund the remainder. This bill would work toward increasing the federal share to 40% of the average per-pupil expenditure nationwide, significantly reducing the financial burden on states and schools. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill would primarily benefit school districts, states, and families of children with disabilities by reducing local education costs.

It would also help ensure more consistent and adequate special education services nationwide. The increased federal funding would be distributed to states and schools to support services like special education instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other disability-related support services that students need. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (S 1277 in the Senate), meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full Congress. It was sponsored by Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland.