86R14215 MP-D
By: Meza H.B. No. 3037
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a task force to study the segregation of
public school students with disabilities from other public school
students.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 29.028 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.028. TASK FORCE ON THE SEGREGATION OF STUDENTS WITH
DISABILITIES. (a) The agency shall establish a task force to study
the segregation of public school students with disabilities from
other public school students.
(b) The task force shall be composed of teachers, advocates,
parents, and other stakeholders selected by the agency.
(c) The agency shall designate a member of the task force to
serve as presiding officer.
(d) A vacancy on the task force shall be filled in the same
manner as the initial selection.
(e) A member of the task force may not receive compensation
for service on the task force but is entitled to reimbursement for
actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing task force
duties.
(f) The task force may accept gifts and grants from any
source to be used to carry out a function of the task force.
(g) The task force shall meet at least quarterly at the call
of the presiding officer and at other times as determined by the
presiding officer.
(h) The task force shall:
(1) conduct an ongoing study of the effect of public
schools segregating students with disabilities from other
students. The study must address:
(A) student achievement on assessment
instruments adopted under Chapter 39;
(B) student absences from class;
(C) student violations of the student code of
conduct; and
(D) other factors as determined relevant by the
agency; and
(2) develop recommendations for schools to better
integrate students with disabilities into all school activities.
(i) Not less than once every two years, the task force shall
submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the
house of representatives, and the standing committees of the
legislature having jurisdiction over the agency a report that
summarizes the study conducted and recommendations developed under
Subsection (h).
(j) Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the
task force established under this section.
(k) The task force shall submit the first report required
under Subsection (i) not later than December 31, 2020.
SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2019, the Texas
Education Agency shall appoint members to the task force
established by Section 29.028, Education Code, as added by this
Act, in the manner required by Subsection (b) of that section.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.