Bill > SB2071

This bill enhances regulations for child-care facilities and registered family homes to better support children with disabilities or special needs. The bill modifies existing law to prohibit discrimination based on race or disability status and establishes clear guidelines for when a child-care facility can deny services to a child with a disability. Specifically, facilities can only refuse services if accommodating the child would pose an undue burden, direct threat to health or safety, require fundamental changes to their operations, or involve significant architectural barriers, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also requires child-care centers to promote inclusive practices, integrate children with special needs into general activities, and allow certified childhood intervention service providers access to provide services. Additionally, facilities must now maintain records for children with special needs and provide parents with written disclosure including an Early Childhood Intervention Developmental Checklist and information about the facility's policies for caring for children with disabilities. The new regulations aim to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to child-care services while maintaining reasonable operational considerations for the facilities. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2071