By: Shapiro S.B. No. 1577
(In the Senate - Filed March 10, 2009; March 17, 2009, read
first time and referred to Committee on Education; April 8, 2009,
reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0;
April 8, 2009, sent to printer.)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to excused absences from public school attendance for a
student diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to attend a health
care appointment.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 25.087, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (b-3) to read as follows:
(b-3) A temporary absence for purposes of Subsection (b)(2)
includes the temporary absence of a student diagnosed with autism
spectrum disorder on the day of the student's appointment with a
health care practitioner, as described by Section 1355.015(b),
Insurance Code, to receive a generally recognized service for
persons with autism spectrum disorder, including applied
behavioral analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
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