SRC-ARR S.B. 476 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 476 By: Luna Education 6/28/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, Texas law does not include special education students in the group of students included in special needs population. Advocacy groups have been told that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) would assume that special education is included in special needs populations, but since the law does not specifically state that they are included, TEA cannot require districts to include special education students in special needs populations. S.B. 476 includes special education students in certain public education decisions to improve services to the students and to ensure that they are included in the group of students identified as special needs populations. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 476 includes special education students in certain public education decisions. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 8.051(d), Education Code, to set forth core services each regional education service center shall maintain, including assistance specifically designed for a school district that is considered out of compliance with state or federal special education requirements, based on the agency's most recent compliance review of the district's special education programs. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 11.252(a), Education Code, to include students in special education programs under Chapter 29A, in a school district improvement plan. Deletes a provision requiring appropriate objectives for special needs populations. SECTION 3. Amends Sections 11.253(c) and (d), Education Code, to make conforming changes. SECTION 4. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1999-2000 school year. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.