89R1061 PRL-F
By: Johnson H.B. No. 1011
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to required screenings for pediatric feeding disorder for
students with certain disabilities and to the individualized
education programs for certain public school students with
pediatric feeding disorder.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 29.005, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows:
(e-1) The commissioner by rule shall require a school
district to include in the individualized education program of a
student with pediatric feeding disorder, as determined by the
results of a screening required under Section 29.023:
(1) a safe feeding and swallowing plan that specifies
individualized strategies that promote safe, efficient, and
adequate nutrition and hydration for the student while on a school
campus, including, as determined necessary for the student:
(A) the level of support that the student
requires during feeding;
(B) the appropriate feeding environment for the
student;
(C) the student's dietary modifications or
accommodations, including food allergies;
(D) the student's cultural dietary restrictions;
(E) the appropriate positioning of the student
during feeding;
(F) the equipment necessary for food preparation
and feeding;
(G) the appropriate feeding techniques; or
(H) any precautions, including emergency
procedures; and
(2) any information or requirement determined
necessary to ensure the student receives a free appropriate public
education as required under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.).
SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 29.023 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.023. PEDIATRIC FEEDING DISORDER SCREENING. (a) In
this section, "pediatric feeding disorder" means impaired oral
intake that is not age appropriate and is associated with medical,
nutritional, feeding skill, or psychological dysfunction that
requires intervention through an individualized safe feeding and
swallowing plan.
(b) Each school district shall ensure that a student who is
eligible to receive special education services under this
subchapter and presents with a feeding or swallowing concern is
screened or rescreened for pediatric feeding disorder in accordance
with rules adopted for that purpose under Section 36.004, Health
and Safety Code.
(c) A school district may coordinate with the Department of
State Health Services in developing a pediatric feeding disorder
screening program under this section and may receive assistance
from the department under Section 36.004, Health and Safety Code.
SECTION 3. Section 36.003, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subdivision (2-a) to read as follows:
(2-a) "Pediatric feeding disorder" means impaired oral
intake that is not age appropriate and is associated with medical,
nutritional, feeding skill, or psychological dysfunction that
requires intervention through an individualized safe feeding and
swallowing plan.
SECTION 4. Section 36.004, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsections (b-2) and (b-3) to read as follows:
(b-2) The rules must include screening and rescreening
requirements for pediatric feeding disorder for any individual who
is eligible to receive special education services under Subchapter
A, Chapter 29, Education Code, and presents with a feeding or
swallowing concern.
(b-3) A screening or rescreening required under Subsection
(b-2) must be conducted by a group of professionals with experience
in assessing pediatric feeding disorder, which may include any of
the following:
(1) a speech-language pathologist;
(2) an occupational therapist;
(3) a nurse;
(4) a parent of the individual screened;
(5) a teacher;
(6) a physical therapist;
(7) a dietitian;
(8) a physician;
(9) a social worker; or
(10) a psychologist.
SECTION 5. Section 29.023, Education Code, as added by this
Act, applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
SECTION 6. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall adopt or amend rules as necessary to
comply with Sections 36.004(b-2) and (b-3), Health and Safety Code,
as added by this Act.
SECTION 7. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.