SRC-JJJ S.B. 870 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 870
By: Cain
Education
3/25/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, parents or guardians of special education students are provided
with a brochure explaining the procedural safeguards in the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act as required by federal law.  The brochure
does not include the information about the special education process which
parents need in order to effectively participate in their child's
Admissions Review and Dismissal meetings.  S.B. 870 would require more
specific information be provided to the parents of students receiving
special education.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 870 requires certain information be provided to the
parents of students receiving special education.  

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 26.001, Education Code, by adding Subsection
(f), to require the Texas Education Agency to provide parents of students
receiving special education a clear, comprehensive document explaining the
special education process and parents' rights and responsibilities. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 29.001, Education Code, to ensure in the
statewide plan, regarding the delivery of services to children with
disabilities,  that a document is furnished to the parents of a student
receiving special education. 

SECTION 3.  Provides that this Act takes effect beginning with the
1999-2000 school year. 

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.
            Effective date: upon passage.