IDEA Full Funding Act Proposes 10-Year Ramp-Up to Boost Federal Special Education Share to 40%

This bill, titled the "IDEA Full Funding Act," sets out a plan to significantly increase federal funding for special education services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It establishes a mandatory 10-year funding schedule, starting in Fiscal Year 2026 and culminating in Fiscal Year 2035, aiming to reach the long-discussed goal of the federal government covering 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for students receiving special education.

Closing the IDEA Funding Gap: A Decade-Long Plan

The core of the bill lies in Section 2, which amends IDEA (specifically 20 U.S.C. 1411(i)) to lock in specific funding levels. Instead of leaving funding entirely to annual debates, this act mandates both authorized amounts and appropriated amounts for each year from FY2026 through FY2035. The law would require the government to provide whichever figure is greater – a set dollar amount or a percentage of the calculated need.

Here’s a quick look at the planned ramp-up in appropriated funds (the money actually allocated):

• FY2026: Starts at $6.4 billion (or 4.5%)
• FY2030: Rises to $18.5 billion (or 11.9%)
• FY2035 and beyond: Reaches and stays at $69.6 billion (or 40%)

These funds are specifically earmarked for IDEA Part B (excluding Section 619, which deals with preschool grants) and become available on July 1st of each fiscal year.

How the Money Adds Up: Kids and Costs

The bill bases its funding targets on two key factors: the number of children with disabilities (ages 3-21) who received special education services nationwide in the prior school year, and the average per-pupil expenditure (APPE) in public schools across the U.S. Essentially, it calculates the total estimated cost and sets a schedule for the federal government to cover an increasing percentage of that cost, up to 40%.

Real-World Impact: What Could This Mean for Schools?

If enacted, this structured increase in federal dollars could significantly impact school budgets. Currently, many states and local districts cover the majority of special education costs, which can strain resources. This bill aims to shift more of that financial responsibility to the federal level over the next decade.

For schools, this could translate to:

• More Resources: Hiring additional special education teachers, aides, therapists, and specialists.
• Improved Services: Funding for updated assistive technology, specialized curriculum materials, and smaller class sizes.
• Budget Relief: Freeing up state and local funds currently used to cover the federal shortfall, potentially benefiting other school programs or easing pressure on local taxpayers.

The 10-year schedule provides predictability, allowing states and school districts to plan budgets and programs with a clearer expectation of federal support, moving towards the 40% federal contribution level envisioned when IDEA was first established.