Texas Senate Bill SB896

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to updating references to certain former health services state agencies and certain terms used to describe persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the Education Code.

Impact

If enacted, SB896 will enact significant changes in how the Texas Education Code addresses individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The proposed amendments will ensure that persons with disabilities are referred to in a manner that reflects their dignity and the evolution of language in legislation. This will facilitate a more inclusive environment for students in educational settings, fostering community acceptance and support for special education programs.

Summary

SB896 focuses on updating outdated terminology and references concerning health services state agencies and descriptors for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities within the Texas Education Code. The bill seeks to amend sections of the Education Code that use outdated language, particularly those referring to mental retardation, thereby aligning Texas statutes with contemporary understandings and terminology used in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Contention

The bill, while generally aimed at modernizing language, may encounter points of contention, particularly around the implementation of these changes across school districts and the responsibilities of various state agencies, such as the Texas Education Agency and the Health and Human Services Commission. There may be discussions regarding the financial and logistical implications of these changes, especially in ensuring that school districts can adequately support students requiring special education services as those definitions evolve.