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.