§ 303.423 - Convenience of proceedings; timelines.

(a) Any proceeding for implementing the complaint resolution process in this subpart must be carried out at a time and place that is reasonably convenient to the parents.

(b) Each lead agency shall ensure that, not later than 30 days after the receipt of a parent's complaint, the impartial proceeding required under this subpart is completed and a written decision mailed to each of the parties.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1820-0550) Note:

Under part B of the Act, States are allowed 45 days to conduct an impartial due process hearing (i.e., within 45 days after the receipt of a request for a hearing, a decision is reached and a copy of the decision is mailed to each of the parties). (See 34 CFR 300.512.) Thus, if a State, in meeting the requirements of § 303.420, elects to adopt the due process procedures under part B, that State would also have 45 days for hearings. However, any State in that situation is encouraged (but not required) to accelerate the timeline for the due process hearing for children who are eligible under this part—from 45 days to the 30-day timeline in this section. Because the needs of children in the birth-through-two-age range change so rapidly, quick resolution of complaints is important.