TX
Texas Senate Bill SB568

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB568

Filed
12/12/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/7/25  
Out of House Committee
5/26/25  
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to special education in public schools, including funding for special education under the Foundation School Program.

Impact

If enacted, SB568 will significantly alter the statutory landscape regarding special education funding and services. Key provisions of the bill include increased funding for specific programs designed for children with visual impairments, a system for distributing supplemental allowances, and guidance on how to implement these financial measures. This could increase the availability of necessary resources for educational institutions and impact the delivery of specialized instruction and services. Additionally, it seeks to provide more transparency and accountability in special education service provision by outlining detailed reporting requirements for school districts.

Summary

SB568 is focused on enhancing special education provisions in public schools across Texas. It sets forth amendments related to funding for special education under the Foundation School Program and includes specific provisions for students with visual impairments, among other disabilities. The bill aims to ensure that school districts receive adequate financial support to implement individualized education programs (IEPs) effectively, thereby improving the educational outcomes for students with disabilities. Changes made to the Education Code dictate how funds can be allocated and used for special education services, highlighting the importance of tailored educational support.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB568 appears to be favorable among educators and advocates for students with disabilities. Supporters believe the bill addresses critical gaps in funding and resources that have traditionally hindered effective special education delivery. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential administrative burdens placed on school districts and the effectiveness of new funding mechanisms in practice. Those opposing the bill cite the need for more comprehensive reforms rather than just funding increases.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the bill's provisions for the administration of funding and the potential strain this may place on understaffed districts. There are also concerns regarding how the bill defines eligibility for special services and the oversight of service delivery. Critics suggest that while additional funding is welcome, it must be accompanied by stringent standards and training to ensure that increases in financial resources translate into improved educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 29. Educational Programs
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 313
    • Section: 315
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0162
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 30. State And Regional Programs And Services
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 081
    • Section: 083
  • Chapter 7. State Organization
    • Section: 021
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 021
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 8. Regional Education Service Centers
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
    • Section: New Section

Latest SB568 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

TX HB2

Relating to public education and public school finance.

TX SB1474

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.

TX HB3781

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.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.