In this subtitle, “Ombudsman” means the Special Education Ombudsman.

There is a Special Education Ombudsman in the Office of the Attorney General. The purpose of the Ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to parents, students, and educators regarding special education rights and services.

The Attorney General shall appoint the Ombudsman. Salaries of the Ombudsman and staff under the Ombudsman and expenses related to the operation of the toll–free telephone number established under § 6–505 of this subtitle, rent, equipment, supplies, and general operations shall be as provided in the State budget. In cooperation with the Secretary of Budget and Management, the Attorney General shall set minimum salary, qualifications, and experience standards for the Ombudsman and any staff under the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman shall: serve as a source of knowledge and information on the State and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing the education of students with disabilities for parents, students, educators, and interested members of the public; provide impartial information to the parents of students with disabilities on how to navigate the process of obtaining special education evaluations and services; provide impartial information to parents, public schools, and educators on the procedures for resolving disagreements and disputes regarding the provision of special education or disciplinary action taken against students with disabilities; explain to parents of children with disabilities the rights of parents and students and how the parents may avail themselves of those rights; work neutrally and objectively with all persons to ensure that the special education system functions as intended; identify any patterns of complaints made by parents of students with disabilities and inform the State Department of Education about any such pattern; and serve as a general resource for disability–related information and make referrals to available State and federal services and programs for individuals with disabilities. In performing the duties assigned under this section, the Ombudsman shall treat all communications as confidential and may reveal the details of any communication only if: necessary to achieve the Ombudsman’s duties; and done in accordance with applicable State and federal law.

The Ombudsman shall arrange for a toll–free telephone number, available in English as well as other appropriate languages, to assist an individual seeking information or advice about special education.

On or before July 1, 2022, and each July 1 thereafter, the Ombudsman shall, consistent with federal and State privacy laws and in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, submit a report to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means that includes: the number and type of calls received on the toll–free telephone number during the previous year; any patterns of complaints filed by parents identified under § 6–504(a)(7) of this subtitle; a summary of the services provided by the Ombudsman during the previous year; and any recommendations the Ombudsman determines are appropriate and necessary concerning the State’s implementation of special education services and procedures.