Texas Senate Bill SB1328

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/26/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/3/11
• Report Pass: 4/26/11
• Engrossed: 5/3/11
• Refer: 5/4/11

Caption

Relating to optional dispute resolution methods regarding educational services for students with a disability, including individualized education program facilitation.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the Texas Education Code by augmenting the existing framework for supporting students with disabilities. With the inclusion of voluntary IEP facilitation, the legislation encourages school districts to adopt more accommodating practices, potentially leading to a reduction in the frequency of formal complaints and mediation requests. However, it is crucial that these facilitation methods do not impede the rights of parents to pursue special education complaints and that the facilitation services provided come at no cost to them.

Summary

SB1328 aims to establish optional dispute resolution methods for educational services concerning students with disabilities in Texas. The legislation focuses particularly on the facilitation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), allowing parents and school districts to resolve disputes amicably before advancing to more formal proceedings. It mandates that school districts provide parents with clear information about these optional methods when disputes arise, thus promoting a transparent and collaborative approach to resolving conflicts in educational settings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1328 include concerns about the effectiveness and accessibility of the optional dispute resolution mechanisms. Some advocates worry that making these methods optional might lead to unequal access to dispute resolution for parents, especially those who may not be fully informed about their options or who may not have the means to pursue independent facilitation. Additionally, the bill faces scrutiny regarding the adequacy of state funding to support the implementation of these facilitation services in various school districts across Texas.