***TODAY: Montgomery County Senators Blocking Legislation for Children with Disabilities @CherylKagan @BrianJFeldman

We need your help to push HB294 County Boards of Education - Due Process Proceedings for Children With Disabilities - Burden of Proof and HB1237 Special Education - Judicial Actions - Attorney's Fees and Related Costs over the finish line in Annapolis TODAY! 

These bills will help level the playing field for parents or guardians in due process proceedings. HB294 shifts the burden of proof to the local education authority (LEA) to prove that they are delivering an appropriate education to students. This is important because LEAs have many more resources than the family in a hearing, causing a "David and Goliath" situation. HB1237 would cover attorney fees AND expert witness fees if a family wins their case. Again, the school system has access to experts, but a family must be able to pay for witness fees. This creates inequities. Unless these bills pass, families with means will continue to have a better chance at obtaining a free and appropriate education. Both bills passed the House of Delegates without opposition and passed 135-0! Both have stalled in the Education, Energy, and the Environment committee.

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