By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 2249

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a certification program for teachers of students with visual impairments.

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

SECTION 1. Section 30.002, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (g) and adding Subsection (h) to read as follows:

(g) To become certified as a teacher of students with visual impairments, an educator must:

(1) successfully complete all course work required by a State Board for Educator Certification-approved preparation program in that field; and

(2) pass the State Board for Educator Certification-approved examinations for certification in braille and in visual impairments.

(h) To facilitate implementation of this section, the commissioner shall develop a system to distribute from the foundation school fund to school districts or regional education service centers a special supplemental allowance for each student with a visual impairment and for each student with a serious visual disability and another medically diagnosed disability of a significantly limiting nature who is receiving special education services through any approved program. The supplemental allowance may be spent only for special services uniquely required by the nature of the student's disabilities and may not be used in lieu of educational funds otherwise available under this code or through state or local appropriations.

SECTION 2. This Act does not apply to a certification to teach students with visual impairments granted or applied for before the effective date of this Act, including the renewal of the certification.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.