Protecting Students with Disabilities Act
Protecting Students with Disabilities Act
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting Students with Disabilities Act (HR 2333) - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would prevent the federal Department of Education from eliminating, consolidating, or restructuring the office that oversees special education programs for students with disabilities. It would also prohibit the government from firing, reassigning, or reducing responsibilities of employees in that office, and would ban contracting out these special education oversight duties to outside organizations. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily protects students with disabilities who receive special education services under federal law (IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), as well as the federal employees who administer these programs. Schools and school districts that receive federal funding for special education would also be affected. **Key context:** The bill was introduced by Democratic Congressman John Mannion of New York in response to concerns about potential changes to the Department of Education under the Trump administration.
It is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress. The bill essentially serves as a safeguard to preserve the federal government's direct oversight and administration of special education programs.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting Students with Disabilities ActThis bill prohibits the use of appropriated funds to eliminate the Department of Education's (ED's) oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (The IDEA authorizes grant programs that support special education and early intervention services for children with disabilities. Currently, the IDEA is administered by the Office of Special Education Programs in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in ED.)Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of appropriated funds to eliminate, consolidate, or otherwise restructure any office within ED that administers or enforces programs under the IDEA.Further, appropriated funds may not be used to (1) terminate, reassign, or alter the responsibilities of any personnel of any such office; or (2) contract with, or delegate to, any entity outside of ED to administer or enforce IDEA programs.(On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities, calling for the closure of ED and giving authority over education to the states. Further, the Trump Administration has announced plans to transfer ED's oversight of services for students with disabilities to the Department of Health and Human Services.)
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.