By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 2249
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a certification program for teachers of students with
visual impairments.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 30.002, Education Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (g) and adding Subsection (h) to read as
follows:
(g) To become certified as a teacher of students with visual
impairments, an educator must:
(1) successfully complete all course work required by
a State Board for Educator Certification-approved preparation
program in that field; and
(2) pass the State Board for Educator
Certification-approved examinations for certification in braille
and in visual impairments.
(h) To facilitate implementation of this section, the
commissioner shall develop a system to distribute from the
foundation school fund to school districts or regional education
service centers a special supplemental allowance for each student
with a visual impairment and for each student with a serious visual
disability and another medically diagnosed disability of a
significantly limiting nature who is receiving special education
services through any approved program. The supplemental allowance
may be spent only for special services uniquely required by the
nature of the student's disabilities and may not be used in lieu of
educational funds otherwise available under this code or through
state or local appropriations.
SECTION 2. This Act does not apply to a certification to
teach students with visual impairments granted or applied for
before the effective date of this Act, including the renewal of the
certification.
SECTION 3. 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.