Pfaff bill to improve coordination of services for students with special needs heads to Governor’s desk

On Monday, Feb. 17, House Bill 1325, authored by State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D–Terre Haute), unanimously passed the Indiana Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

HB 1325 requires the Indiana Department of Education, Department of Child Services, Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration to share data on services provided to children with special needs. The goal is to help the state better coordinate supports and identify gaps so families aren’t left to navigate systems on their own.

Pfaff issued the following statement after the bill’s passage:

“Hoosier families shouldn’t have to piece together services agency by agency, especially when they’re working to support a child with special needs. This bill helps state agencies coordinate and share information so we can take a clearer, data-driven look at what’s working, what isn’t, and where kids are falling through the cracks.

“As a retired teacher, I know every student deserves to be seen and supported. HB 1325 is a practical step toward making sure students with special needs get the coordinated care they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

“I appreciate the bipartisan support this bill received in both chambers, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law by Governor Braun.”