Spring 2013 Newsletter 1 |
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Oklahoma ABLE Tech Volume 13, Issue 2 Spring 2013 Assistive Technology Small Changes...Big Differences Spring 2013 Legislative Update February 2013 kicked off the First Session of the 54th Oklahoma Legislature and with it came many bills that will impact people with disabilities, state agencies that serve them and state employees. With the dreaded sequester now in place, and for all practical purposes remaining with us in the foreseeable future, everyone is concerned and watching to see what will happen on the legislative front. Disability legislation of interest: HB-1264 would extend the termination date of Rethinking Special Education, Competency and Transition Task Force until May 31, 2014. This bill passed during the previous legislative session by Rep. Nelson was intended to provide a comprehensive study of current Special Education services and practices in our state and could potentially have great impact on these going forward. The bill passed the House 93-3. The bill has cleared the Senate Education Committee and is ready for a Senate vote. HB-1555 titled the Steve Stokes Act would assure the $500 maximum fine for violations of disability parking. It provides that all municipalities, with authority, to establish and pass ordinances implementing the provisions of state law related to disabled parking. Additionally, the bill requires that 20% of fines collected be transmitted to the Department of Public Safety. An amendment has been offered to raise this to 25%. The bill passed in the House and has moved to the Senate for consideration. HB-1612 would provide a tax refund check-off for Hearts of Hearing, an organization that sponsors cochlear implants for children with hearing loss. The bill passed in the House and has moved to the Senate for consideration. SB-251 provides that with regard to the End of Instruction tests required for high school graduation at both the School for the Blind and the School for the Deaf, reasonable accommodation determinations for students, who have individualized education programs or Section 504 plans, would be made by the superintendent of the applicable school. A committee substitute removed the language in the original bill and provides instead that OSB and OSD may order and administer tests and receive student test results for the EOI tests. This bill has passed in both houses and has been signed into laws by the Governor. Written by Linda Jaco, Director of Sponsored Programs, with legislative information provided by Jean Jones in the DRS Legislative Update. Oklahoma ABLE Tech Director, Linda Jaco, will visit Capitol Hill in May to promote the good work of several programs serving Oklahomans. Congratulations! to Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Director Linda Jaco for receiving the Oklahoma State University President’s Leadership & Service Recognition Outstanding Staff of the Year award
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Title | Spring 2013 Newsletter 1 |
Full text | Oklahoma ABLE Tech Volume 13, Issue 2 Spring 2013 Assistive Technology Small Changes...Big Differences Spring 2013 Legislative Update February 2013 kicked off the First Session of the 54th Oklahoma Legislature and with it came many bills that will impact people with disabilities, state agencies that serve them and state employees. With the dreaded sequester now in place, and for all practical purposes remaining with us in the foreseeable future, everyone is concerned and watching to see what will happen on the legislative front. Disability legislation of interest: HB-1264 would extend the termination date of Rethinking Special Education, Competency and Transition Task Force until May 31, 2014. This bill passed during the previous legislative session by Rep. Nelson was intended to provide a comprehensive study of current Special Education services and practices in our state and could potentially have great impact on these going forward. The bill passed the House 93-3. The bill has cleared the Senate Education Committee and is ready for a Senate vote. HB-1555 titled the Steve Stokes Act would assure the $500 maximum fine for violations of disability parking. It provides that all municipalities, with authority, to establish and pass ordinances implementing the provisions of state law related to disabled parking. Additionally, the bill requires that 20% of fines collected be transmitted to the Department of Public Safety. An amendment has been offered to raise this to 25%. The bill passed in the House and has moved to the Senate for consideration. HB-1612 would provide a tax refund check-off for Hearts of Hearing, an organization that sponsors cochlear implants for children with hearing loss. The bill passed in the House and has moved to the Senate for consideration. SB-251 provides that with regard to the End of Instruction tests required for high school graduation at both the School for the Blind and the School for the Deaf, reasonable accommodation determinations for students, who have individualized education programs or Section 504 plans, would be made by the superintendent of the applicable school. A committee substitute removed the language in the original bill and provides instead that OSB and OSD may order and administer tests and receive student test results for the EOI tests. This bill has passed in both houses and has been signed into laws by the Governor. Written by Linda Jaco, Director of Sponsored Programs, with legislative information provided by Jean Jones in the DRS Legislative Update. Oklahoma ABLE Tech Director, Linda Jaco, will visit Capitol Hill in May to promote the good work of several programs serving Oklahomans. Congratulations! to Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Director Linda Jaco for receiving the Oklahoma State University President’s Leadership & Service Recognition Outstanding Staff of the Year award |
Date created | 2013-05-16 |
Date modified | 2013-05-16 |