Bill > SB154

This bill requires Texas school districts to implement comprehensive screening and support measures for students with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), which is defined as impaired oral intake not age-appropriate and associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, or psychological challenges. The bill mandates that school districts screen or rescreen students eligible for special education services who present feeding or swallowing concerns, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. These screenings must be conducted by a multidisciplinary group of professionals including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, nurses, parents, teachers, physical therapists, dietitians, physicians, social workers, and psychologists. For students diagnosed with PFD, the bill requires individualized education programs (IEPs) to include a detailed safe feeding and swallowing plan specifying critical elements such as the student's required feeding support level, appropriate feeding environment, dietary modifications, cultural dietary restrictions, positioning during feeding, necessary equipment, feeding techniques, and emergency precautions. The bill aims to ensure that students with PFD receive appropriate nutritional support and a free appropriate public education as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with the goal of promoting safe, efficient, and adequate nutrition for students with these specialized needs.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB154