A resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act on November 29, 2025, and recognizing its transformative impact on the education of children with disabilities.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 531

119th Congress

A resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act on November 29, 2025, and recognizing its transformative impact on the education of children with disabilities.

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimou

Introduced:Dec 4, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Chris Van Hollen

D - MD

Cosponsors

31

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Education

Summary

This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), originally signed by President Ford on November 29, 1975. It recognizes IDEA's transformative impact in establishing the right of every child with a disability to free appropriate public education, ending the exclusion of over 1 million children from public schools.

Latest Action

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8517; text: CR S8515-8516)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), originally signed by President Ford on November 29, 1975. It recognizes IDEA's transformative impact in establishing the right of every child with a disability to free appropriate public education, ending the exclusion of over 1 million children from public schools.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Marks 50th anniversary of IDEA (originally Education for All Handicapped Children Act)
Prior to IDEA, over 1 million disabled children were excluded from public schools
Established right to free appropriate public education in least restrictive environment
Ensures parents are meaningful partners in developing education programs
Provides early intervention services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Reaffirms commitment to ensuring every disabled child can thrive

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Impacts millions of children with disabilities receiving special education services, families navigating the IEP process, educators and specialists serving students with disabilities, and school districts implementing IDEA requirements. Celebrates foundational civil rights legislation for disability community.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Education

Related Subjects

Commemorative events and holidays

Congressional tributes

Special education

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

531, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act on November 29, 2025, and recognizing its transformative impact on the education of children with disabilities.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sres-531