Opinion ID: 428563
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Effective Date of EAHCA Requirements

Text: 30 Another issue raised in this case is whether RISD was subject to the provisions of the EAHCA during the 1977-78 school year. Defendants point out that the EAHCA and its regulations were not implemented in the State of Texas until the summer of 1978. Moreover, the State did not receive funding under the Act until that time. 31 Davina received special education at the CBC during the preceding school year (1977-78) in accordance with then-effective state regulations. Although her educational plan was not identical to plans formulated under EAHCA regulations, she received substantially the same benefits as she would have under the EAHCA. The district court found that she had received a free appropriate education during that year. 32 While maintaining that Davina received an appropriate education during the 1977-78 school year, defendants also argue that they were not subject to the Act's requirements until the summer of 1978, when they began to receive federal funds. We agree. 33 The requirements set forth in the EAHCA are tied directly to the receipt of federal funds. Although the effective date of the Act is October 1, 1977, school districts were not expected to comply with the Act's provisions on that date. Regarding the Act's substantive requirement that all handicapped children receive a free appropriate education, the Act establishes two target dates: 34 In order to qualify for assistance under this subchapter in any fiscal year, a State shall demonstrate to the Commissioner that the following conditions are met: 35