Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain public school students with disabilities.
Impact
If enacted, HB 466 would significantly impact the legal framework governing the rights of students with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of student involvement in decisions about their educational programming and transition to life after school. The bill requires school districts to provide education on guardianship and alternatives to guardianship, thereby ensuring that students and their families are informed of their rights and options as they approach adulthood. This legislative change aims to facilitate a smoother transition for students into postsecondary education and other adulthood responsibilities.
Summary
House Bill 466 aims to amend existing policies and procedures related to public school students with disabilities in Texas. The bill focuses on ensuring that students aged 18 and older, or those whose disabilities of minority have been removed, have the same rights to make educational decisions as their peers without disabilities. This includes the transfer of rights traditionally held by parents to students themselves, thereby enhancing self-determination and independence among these individuals. Importantly, the bill outlines the circumstances and procedures under which an educational representative might be appointed for a student who is unable to provide informed consent regarding educational matters.
Contention
A potential point of contention surrounding HB 466 is the appointment of educational representatives. While the bill sets forth procedures for such appointments, critics may argue that it could impose additional burdens on schools to adequately assess and document a student's capacity to make educational decisions. Furthermore, concerns may arise regarding the involvement of parents and the weight of their decisions as compared to the preferences of students, especially in cases where the students may not have fully developed decision-making abilities. The balancing act between protecting student rights and ensuring appropriate guidance could lead to debates among stakeholders.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.
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.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for certain public school students.
Requires DOE to develop transition checklist for students with disabilities; requires DOE to maintain information on website concerning transition resources.
Requires DOE to develop transition checklist for students with disabilities; requires DOE to maintain information on website concerning transition resources.