Bill > HB174

This bill strengthens regulations for child-care facilities and registered family homes regarding services for children with disabilities, requiring centers to promote inclusive practices and provide clear guidelines about disability accommodations. The bill amends existing law to prohibit discrimination based on disability status and establishes specific conditions under which a day-care center or registered family home may deny services to a child with a disability, referencing standards from the Americans with Disabilities Act. Child-care facilities must now allow certified childhood intervention service providers access to children to provide services within the center's educational areas, maintain records for children with special needs, and provide parents with written disclosure including an Early Childhood Intervention Developmental Checklist and information about the center's policies for serving children with disabilities. The bill requires centers to integrate children with special needs into general activities and mandates that any denial of services to a child with a disability must be based on specific, legally defined criteria such as undue burden, direct threat to health or safety, fundamental alteration of services, or significant expense for accommodations. The new regulations aim to create more inclusive and supportive environments for children with disabilities in child-care settings, with implementation set to begin September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB174