(a) Placements in state special schools pursuant to Sections 59020, 59120, and 59220 shall be made only as a result of recommendations from the individualized education program team, upon a finding that no appropriate placement is available in the local plan area.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a), referrals for further assessment and recommendations to the California Schools for the Deaf and Blind or the Diagnostic Centers, pursuant to Section 56326, shall not constitute placements in state special schools.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1296, Sec. 17. Effective October 11, 1993.)