The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (PL108-446) was signed into law on December 3rd, 2004.

The law states the following about transition services.

"(Vlll) beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child is 16, and updated annually thereafter-

    (aa) appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills;

    (bb) the transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the child in reaching these goals; and

    (cc) beginning not later than 1 year before the child reaches the age of majority under State law, a statement that the child has been informed of the child's rights under this title, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under section 615(m)"

As the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC, the largest special education organization in the country)  primer on the new legislation states, "Once again, it is unclear as to the implications of these changes until final federal regulations are issued."