81R24043 BEF-F

By: Eissler, Chisum H.B. No. 461

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 461:

By: Hopson C.S.H.B. No. 461

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the detection and treatment of dyslexia, including the use of certain professional titles by dyslexia practitioners and therapists; providing a criminal penalty.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subtitle G, Title 3, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Chapter 403 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 403. DYSLEXIA PRACTITIONERS AND THERAPISTS

Sec. 403.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the Dyslexia Practitioners and Therapists Title Recognition Act.

Sec. 403.002. STATE TITLE RECOGNITION STANDARDS. (a) The requirements in effect on September 1, 2009, to achieve membership in the Academic Language Therapy Association as an associate academic language teacher are adopted as the state dyslexia practitioner title recognition standards.

(b) The requirements in effect on September 1, 2009, to achieve membership in the Academic Language Therapy Association as a certified academic language therapist are adopted as the state dyslexia therapist title recognition standards.

(c) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission by rule may adopt an updated version of the Academic Language Therapy Association's membership requirements as the state's dyslexia practitioner or dyslexia therapist title recognition standards if the executive commissioner determines that adoption of the updated requirements is consistent with the purpose of providing public assurance that persons who use titles recognized under this chapter are trained and experienced providers of quality professional services for individuals with dyslexia or related disorders.

Sec. 403.003. CERTIFICATION REQUIRED. (a) A person may not use the title of, or represent to the public that the person is, a "registered dyslexia practitioner" or "associate academic language teacher" or use the initials "RDP" or "AALT" unless the person is certified by the Academic Language Therapy Association as meeting the state dyslexia practitioner title recognition standards.

(b) A person may not use the title of, or represent to the public that the person is, a "registered dyslexia therapist" or "certified academic language therapist" or use the initials "RDT" or "CALT" unless the person is certified by the Academic Language Therapy Association as meeting the state dyslexia therapist title recognition standards.

Sec. 403.004. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person violates Section 403.003.

(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.

SECTION 2. (a) An interim committee is created to study and recommend legislation to increase awareness of early detection and treatment of dyslexia and related disorders. The committee's study shall examine:

(1) early detection and intervention;

(2) access to treatment in rural areas of the state;

(3) the role of public education and higher education in detection and treatment;

(4) treatment for older students and adults; and

(5) any barriers related to accommodations for individuals with dyslexia and related disorders.

(b) The committee consists of the following nine members:

(1) three members appointed by the lieutenant governor as follows:

(A) two senators, one of whom represents a rural area; and

(B) one member who represents an institution of higher education that offers courses in dyslexia and related disorders;

(2) three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives as follows:

(A) two state representatives, one of whom represents a rural area; and

(B) one member who represents a nationally accredited training center; and

(3) three members appointed by the governor as follows:

(A) one member who is a certified academic language therapist;

(B) one member who is a public school dyslexia designee; and

(C) one member who is a parent of a student with dyslexia.

(c) The committee shall elect a presiding officer from among its members.

(d) The committee shall convene at the call of the presiding officer.

(e) Committee members may not receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses for serving on the committee.

(f) Not later than December 1, 2010, the committee shall report the committee's findings and recommendations to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the governor.

(g) Not later than the 60th day after the effective date of this Act, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the governor shall appoint the members of the interim committee created under this section.

SECTION 3. Section 2 of this Act expires September 1, 2011.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.