(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a complaint filed with the department regarding any alleged violations of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), or implementing regulations (Part 300 (commencing with Section 300.1) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations), or a provision of this part, shall be investigated in an expeditious and effective manner in accordance with Sections 300.151 to 300.153, inclusive, of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A written decision shall be issued to the complainant in accordance with the 60-day time limit specified in Section 300.152 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(2) The party filing the complaint shall forward a copy of the complaint to the local educational agency or public agency serving the child at the same time the party files the complaint with the department, in accordance with Section 300.153(d) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) Pursuant to Section 300.153(c) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, a complaint filed under subdivision (a) shall allege a violation that occurred not more than one year prior to the date that the complaint is received by the department.

(c) The complaint shall include all of the following:

(1) A statement that a local educational agency or public agency has violated a requirement of this part or Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Title 20 (commencing with Section 1400) of the United States Code), or Part 300 (commencing with Section 300.1) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(2) The facts on which the statement is based.

(3) The signature and contact information for the complainant.

(4) If alleging violations with respect to a specific child, all of the following:

(A) The name and address of residence of the child.

(B) The name of the school the child is attending.

(C) In the case of a homeless child or youth within the meaning of paragraph (2) of Section 725 of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11434a(2)), available contact information for the child, and the name of the school the child is attending.

(D) A description of the nature of the problem of the child, including facts relating to the problems.

(E) A proposed resolution of the problem to the extent known and available to the party at the time the complaint is filed.

(d) The Superintendent shall develop a model form, pursuant to Section 300.509 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, to assist parents and public agencies in filing a state complaint under this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 454, Sec. 27. Effective October 10, 2007.)