Texas House Bill HB1813

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/10/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/29/25
• Voted on by House: 5/7/25

Caption

Relating to a parental right to information concerning a public school special education program and certain requirements for persons serving as special education representatives and hearing officers at impartial due process hearings; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The legislation is likely to refine the state laws governing the involvement of parents in special education, ensuring that they have better access to information and guidance concerning their rights. With provisions aimed at increasing the qualifications of representatives involved in the due process hearings, the bill seeks to establish a more structured environment that benefits both the educational institutions and families. Notably, the bill would also allow for a fee to be charged for participation in training programs, which adds another layer of consideration regarding accessibility for families with financial constraints.

Summary

House Bill 1813 focuses on enhancing parental rights related to information about public school special education programs. It aims to establish comprehensive communication that aids parents in understanding the processes involved in developing individualized education programs (IEPs) for their children. The bill mandates the Texas Education Agency to produce an accessible document detailing the rights and responsibilities of parents in these processes, which is key to empowering those with children in special education. Additionally, it introduces certain requirements for representatives serving children in due process hearings, particularly regarding their qualifications and ethical standards.

Sentiment

Sentiment regarding HB 1813 appears to be generally supportive, particularly from advocates for parental rights and special education reform. Proponents argue that the bill fulfills a critical need for families navigating the complexities of special education, promoting a more informed understanding of their rights. However, there are concerns among some stakeholder groups about the feasibility of the training course fees, which could create barriers for those from lower-income backgrounds, thus suggesting a need for balanced accessibility alongside the new requirements.

Contention

While the overall aim of HB 1813 seeks to improve the landscape of special education representation, points of contention primarily revolve around the financial implications and the practicality of implementing the required training for representatives. Discussion has highlighted fears that the introduction of fees for training courses may limit the participation of potential representatives, which could inadvertently hinder the support available to families in distressing situations. As this bill moves through the legislative process, the discourse will likely continue to focus on aligning the implementation of these new requirements with the goal of enhancing support for families.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
  • Section: 0081
  • Section: 0081
  • Section: 0081
  • Section: 0081

• Chapter 29. Educational Programs
  • Section: 0162
  • Section: 0162
  • Section: 0162
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 0162
  • Section: New Section