I. There is established an office of the advocate for special education which shall be an independent agency, administratively attached to the department of administrative services pursuant to N.H. Rev. Stat. § 21-G:10, under the direction of the advocate for special education (the “advocate”).
II. The advocate for special education shall be independent of the department of education and shall serve as an advocate, coordinator, and point of contact for those parents, guardians, and caretakers of students with disabilities or students with disabilities when dealing with school districts and the districts’ compliance with the applicable individualized education program (IEP) pursuant to N.H. Rev. Stat. § 186-C:7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 504 plans established pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.) and related supports and services for students with disabilities who are provided special services pursuant to this chapter and federal law, including, but not limited to, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.), and the minimum requirements as they pertain to the individual student.
III. The governor and council shall appoint an advocate for special education, who shall be a person qualified by training and experience to perform the duties set forth in this section. The advocate shall hold office for a term of 5 years and shall continue to hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.