HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bills 69 and 85, along with House Bill 562, to strengthen support for families raising children with special needs.
“I’m proud we’re able to do some good for Kentucky families this Good Friday by signing three pieces of legislation that will celebrate children with special needs and better support their future and their families,” said Gov. Beshear. “Senate Bills 69 and 85 will help fund research and provide a way for families to financially plan for the future, while House Bill 562 will allow students with special needs to earn a diploma for their hard work and education accomplishments. These are children of God and they deserve all the opportunities Kentucky has to offer, and we’re doing what we can to deliver.”
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Senate Bill 69 establishes the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, which will support research and services for Kentuckians living with autism. It also allows residents to contribute to the fund through their income taxes.
Senate Bill 85 creates a special needs trust within the Kentucky state retirement system, helping families financially plan for children or relatives with special needs. It also ensures that families can receive a lifetime retirement payment from the trust if a member passes away before retirement.
House Bill 562 requires the Kentucky Department of Education to develop a diploma for students with special needs who might not otherwise receive one. Officials say the law also directs the Department of Workforce Development to identify, compile, and publish a list of employers willing to hire individuals who hold an alternate high school diploma.
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