Texas House Bill HB3928

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/7/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/27/23
• Voted on by House: 5/3/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/15/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/17/23
• Governor Action: 6/10/23

Caption

Relating to dyslexia evaluations and services for public school students, the provision of services for students with dyslexia and related disorders, and certain parental notice regarding the rights of parents of public school students with disabilities.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3928 is expected to standardize the approach to dyslexia evaluations across Texas school districts, thereby enhancing the consistency of services provided to affected students. It introduces requirements for parental notification regarding their rights and ensures that multidisciplinary evaluation teams include members knowledgeable in dyslexia. This is anticipated to lead to more accurate assessments and appropriate interventions for students with dyslexia, aligning school district practices with both federal and state educational standards.

Summary

House Bill 3928, known as the Beckley Wilson Act, aims to improve the identification and support for students with dyslexia and related disorders in Texas public schools. The bill mandates that school districts conduct screenings for dyslexia, ensuring that students who may require special education services are evaluated appropriately. This legislation seeks to codify the dyslexia handbook updated by the State Board of Education in 2021 and addresses the concerns that some districts may have been treating the guidance as optional, resulting in students being denied essential evaluations and services.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 3928 appears largely positive. Advocates including parents, educators, and members of the Texas Dyslexia Coalition have expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its importance in securing necessary resources for students struggling with dyslexia. The discussions surrounding the bill emphasized the urgent need for clear guidelines and compliance to ensure that students do not fall through the cracks in the educational system. Legislative discussions highlighted a collective commitment to addressing dyslexia more effectively within Texas schools.

Contention

While the overall support for HB 3928 is robust, some contention remains about the implementation details and the adequacy of resources for schools to comply with the bill's requirements. Critics have pointed out potential challenges in ensuring that all schools are equipped with the necessary training and tools to meet the new mandates. Additionally, concerns about how strictly the legislation will be enforced and monitored were discussed during committee hearings, indicating that while legislative action is welcomed, practical application within diverse school systems may vary.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 7. State Organization
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 29. Educational Programs
  • Section: 0031
  • Section: 0032
  • Section: 0031
  • Section: 0032
  • Section: 0031
  • Section: 0032
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 0031
  • Section: 0032
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 023
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 023

• Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: 4552