Bill > SB198

This bill introduces new requirements for individualized education programs (IEPs) for children with autism or pervasive developmental disorders in Texas schools. It mandates that the admission, review, and dismissal committee (ARD committee) must now consider and evaluate strategies specifically identified by the commissioner of education as appropriate for these students, based on peer-reviewed, research-based educational programming practices. The bill requires school districts to provide parents with written information about these strategies at least seven days before each committee meeting, and the committee must document whether each strategy is appropriate and practicable for the child's IEP. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure language accessibility, requiring that if a parent is unable to speak English, the school district must provide the written information in Spanish or make a good faith effort to translate it into the parent's native language. These new requirements will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to enhance the educational support and planning for students with autism and related developmental disorders by ensuring a more comprehensive and individualized approach to their education.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB198