The committee approved sending a resolution to the full board asking state agencies to consider pathways for students receiving disability supports to earn diplomas rather than only certificates; staff suggested clarifying language about 'certificate of completion' and military‑enlistment implications.

At a first hearing on House Bill 246, the House Finance Committee heard that the Special Education Service Agency (CESA) needs an increase (about $3.76 per statutory unit) to hire staff, reduce a wait list for rural students with low‑incidence disabilities and offset losses tied to a dip in statewide average daily membership; the bill’s fiscal note is roughly $470,000. No vote was taken.

CASE president Melissa Matthews told lawmakers that IDEA requires delivery of every IEP minute regardless of staffing shortages; she reported a 14% increase in students with disabilities since 2021 and nearly 200 unfilled special‑education teaching positions, calling current workarounds a costly 'vacancy tax.'

Staff explained that HB 246 would raise the statutory per‑student multiplier for the special education service agency from $23.13 to $26.89, which the fiscal note estimates would add $469,900 to the next fiscal year; the committee moved the bill out without objection.

House Bill 246 would increase the Special Education Service Agency (CESA) funding rate to $26.89 to hire more specialists and offset inflation. CESA executive director Olivia Yancey and board chair Jean Gerhardt Cyrus told the committee about growing referrals, wait lists and the agency’s role serving rural districts; the committee set an amendment deadline and will take the bill up later.

Presenters told the Legislature’s education funding task force on Feb. 23, 2026, that the state’s special education funding structure — including the 0.2 special needs factor and intensive funding timing — is failing to cover actual costs, especially in rural districts, and called for policy and formula adjustments.

New funding supports special education and vocational training for students enrolled in districts.