IDEA Full Funding Act (H.R. 2598)

Summary

Provides more money to states each year to help pay for special education for children with disabilities, reaching the government's full promised share by 2035.

What problem does this solve?

The government promised to pay a large share of special education costs but never has, forcing local schools to pay more. This bill sets up a 10-year plan to make sure the government pays its full promised share for students with disabilities.

What does this bill do?

Creates a 10-year mandatory funding plan

Sets a specific, increasing amount of money to be given to states for special education each year from fiscal year 2026 through 2035.

Achieves full federal funding by 2035

Ensures that by fiscal year 2035, the federal government will pay 40% of the average cost per student for special education, as originally promised.

Makes special education funding mandatory

Changes the funding from a yearly decision to a required payment by stating funds 'are hereby appropriated,' ensuring the money is set aside automatically.

Requires spending to be offset by cuts

States that the increased funding must be balanced by cuts in other areas of the government's budget, following 'cut-as-you-go' rules.

Who does this affect?

Students with disabilities
State and local school districts
Special education teachers and staff

What is the real world impact?

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Fulfills a long-standing promise to fund special education

When the original special education law was passed, the federal government promised to pay 40% of the extra costs. This bill creates a mandatory 10-year plan to finally meet that funding goal, easing the financial burden on states and local school districts.

When does this start?

The new funding plan begins in fiscal year 2026 and increases each year according to a set schedule until 2035.

Funding increase for fiscal year 2026

For fiscal year 2026, funding is set at $16.6 billion or 11.6% of the total cost, whichever is greater.

Funding increase for fiscal year 2030

For fiscal year 2030, funding increases to $31.4 billion or 20.2% of the total cost, whichever is greater.

Full funding achieved in fiscal year 2035

Beginning in fiscal year 2035, funding reaches $69.6 billion or 40% of the total cost, and continues at that level for future years.