Texas Senate Bill SB100

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the appointment of foster parents and other qualified persons to serve as educational decision-makers for certain children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

The proposed legislation is intended to streamline the process for foster parents to engage more actively in the educational decisions of children with disabilities. By establishing clearer guidelines, it aims to enhance the protective rights of these children in an educational context. Notably, the bill allows foster parents to serve as surrogates without the need for repeated training, given that they have completed training through recognized programs. This aims to facilitate a quicker response to educational needs as children transition into schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 100 (SB100) seeks to amend the Education Code regarding the appointment of foster parents and other qualified individuals as educational decision-makers for children under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill emphasizes ensuring that children with disabilities in foster care have appropriate representation in their educational decisions. It outlines the authority of foster parents to act in this capacity provided they meet certain requirements, including training and a timeline for the completion of training upon assuming this role.

Contention

There are several points of contention surrounding SB100. One primary concern is ensuring that foster parents, who may not have been formally involved in a child's educational decisions before their placement, are adequately prepared to make informed choices about special education services. Critics may argue that the bill could inadvertently undermine the role of biological parents or other guardians, especially in cases where the foster parent may have differing interests than those of the child. Ensuring that the educational rights of children are fully respected while balancing foster parents' rights will be a key area of debate as the bill progresses.