Sponsor Statement for SB 100

Developmentally Disabled Children/Grants

Senate Bill 100 will allow the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to award grants under the Infant Learning Program (ILP). The ILP grants provide home-based therapy and education services to infants birth through 2 years of age who have moderate to severe mental or physical handicaps. The capacity for development is at its maximum during an infant's first years, thus early identification of developmental delays is critical.

DHSS has provided grants to providers of services for developmentally delayed or disabled infants since FY 77. The Department of Law recently determined that DHSS does not have explicit, statutory grant-making authority. Passage of this legislation will provide that authority and allow the DHSS to continue this grant program as it has operated in the past.

The Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education strongly supports passage of SB 100.