Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB68

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to eligibility for a public education grant of certain students receiving special education services.

Impact

The proposed changes to the Education Code could significantly impact students with disabilities and those attending schools that historically underperform. By allowing these students to seek educational opportunities outside their home districts, HB 68 promotes educational choice while also intending to improve individual student outcomes. Additionally, the bill mandates that transportation must be provided for eligible students, alleviating potential barriers that might prevent them from exercising their rights under the new grant eligibility.

Summary

House Bill 68 aims to expand access to public education grants for students receiving special education services in Texas. The bill modifies eligibility criteria to allow for greater flexibility in accessing grants that enable students to attend public schools other than their assigned locations. Specifically, it stipulates that students who qualify under certain performance metrics or are part of an individualized education program (IEP) developed for special education services can receive public education grants or attend alternative schools within or adjacent to their district.

Contention

While the intent of HB 68 is to enhance educational access, potential points of contention may arise concerning the allocation of state resources and the logistics involved in encompassing transportation services for students in special education. As school districts navigate an increase in eligible transfers, concerns about funding adequacy, and equity across districts may surface. Furthermore, discussions around students' rights to choose their educational settings could lead to debates about accountability and the performance of districts from which these students depart.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB272

Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

TX HB1369

Relating to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders.

TX HB950

Relating to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders.

TX SB2487

Relating to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders.

TX HB3781

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.

TX HB3760

Relating to the discipline of students enrolled in certain grade levels or receiving special education services in a public school.

TX HB56

Relating to the discipline of students enrolled in certain grade levels or receiving special education services in a public school.

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