83R10460 KSD-D

By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1576

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study and report of issues affecting persons with disabilities at state agencies and postsecondary educational institutions.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 115, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 115.0095 to read as follows:

Sec. 115.0095. STUDY REGARDING ACCESSIBILITY OF STATE AGENCY AND HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCES AND INFORMATION. (a) In this section, "postsecondary educational institution" means an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code.

(b) The committee, in collaboration with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall conduct a study to identify difficulties persons with disabilities are encountering at state agencies and postsecondary educational institutions that receive state or federal funds.

(c) The study must include an evaluation of the accessibility of resources and information, whether printed or electronic, including:

(1) materials provided by a state agency or postsecondary educational institution; and

(2) with regard to a postsecondary educational institution, learning and content management software used by the institution and information and resources provided by student organizations of the institution.

(d) The committee shall include the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative or administrative action in the report submitted to the governor and the legislature under Section 115.009(3) before December 31, 2014.

(e) This section expires September 1, 2015.

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, 2013.