Texas House Bill HB4758

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/13/25

Caption

Relating to a public school policy to allow a student with a disability to be accompanied by a handler for the student's service animal.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4758 would mandate that school districts develop policies facilitating the presence of service animals and their handlers within educational settings. This change would promote inclusivity and accessibility for students with disabilities, allowing them to participate more fully in the school environment. The bill emphasizes that the need for such accommodations must be established through the student’s admission, review, and dismissal committee, thereby involving relevant educational personnel in the decision-making process.

Summary

House Bill 4758 aims to enhance the educational experience of students with disabilities by allowing them to be accompanied by a service animal and a handler at public school campuses. The bill amends the Education Code to explicitly include provisions for this accommodation, ensuring that students who need such support can access their educational programs effectively. The definition of 'service animal' adheres to the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that the bill complies with federal regulations.

Contention

While the intentions of HB 4758 focus on providing necessary support to students with disabilities, there could be points of contention regarding the implementation of the policies within schools. Specifically, concerns may arise over the resources required for schools to manage the presence of service animals and their handlers, as well as ensuring that these accommodations do not disrupt classroom learning. Additionally, questions might be raised about the adequacy of training and oversight for handlers, which could impact the effectiveness of the law in practice.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 29. Educational Programs
  • Section: New Section