§18-2H-3. Procedures for hearings and public participation.

(a) Prior to the implementation of any state-mandated educational reform which constitutes a significant change in the philosophy or goals in the public schools of this state and the hearings required thereon, the state board shall provide notice by submitting a copy of the proposed reform and a press release to public and private television and radio stations, disseminating press releases to newspapers of general circulation, and notifying the parents of students in all schools which might be affected by sending notices home with the students, or by distribution to the parents in any other reasonable manner. The notice and plans shall be in such form and contain such information as the state board may require to fully inform the citizenry of the nature and scope of the educational reform, including the proposed educational reform and the date, time and place of the public hearings.

(b) The state board shall provide timely written notice to any person who has asked the state board to place the person's name on a mailing list maintained by the state board.

(c) The state board shall maintain a verbatim record of all hearings.

(d) The state board may not impose fees or other charges for such a public hearing.