2009S0482-2 03/03/09
 
  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 Subsections (h) and (i) 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 in braille and in visual
  impairments.
         (h)  In order to teach students with visual impairments in
  this state, teachers certified in other states or territories must
  meet the requirements established by the State Board for Educator
  Certification.
         (i)  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 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.