BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 1322

By: Hochberg

Public Education

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many teachers in Texas have students in their classrooms with unique health needs that require special attention or treatment. However, it is too often the case that teachers experience problems getting timely services and support for such students.

H.B. 1322 requires the Texas Education Agency to collaborate with the Health and Human Services Commission in the development of a website to provide resources for teachers of students with special health needs. The bill requires the website to provide teachers with access to information on the treatment and management of certain student health conditions, as well as information on the impact that such conditions may have on a student's well-being and academic success.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1322 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Education Agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission, to establish and maintain an Internet website to provide resources for teachers who teach students with special health needs. The bill requires the agency to include on the website information about the treatment and management of chronic illnesses and how such illnesses impact a student's well-being or ability to succeed in school.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 1322 makes no substantive changes to the original but differs from the original by amending the format of the original bill.