BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 55

By: Zaffirini

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms are different in each person. Persons with ASD can face greater challenges in academic settings for reasons that have nothing to do with coursework. These challenges can be exacerbated in postsecondary settings, which can result in young adults with ASD having poorer academic and social outcomes.

Our understanding of the techniques and services required to assist students with ASD in all educational settings continues to grow, but there is little information available regarding the relative success of students with ASD at colleges and universities in Texas. Students would benefit greatly not only from a clearer understanding of the current state of affairs, but also in drawing upon the knowledge of other institutions' techniques to provide greater support and improve outcomes.

S.B. 55 would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct a study and submit a report regarding best practices for assisting students with ASD. The data obtained would provide a clearer picture on the successes and failures of institutions of higher education in Texas in serving this population and could inform new programs, services, or specialized curricula that could greatly improve the academic and post-graduation prospects of students with ASD.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

S.B. 55 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), with the assistance of the advisory council on postsecondary education for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to conduct a study to determine best practices for assisting students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are enrolled at public institutions of higher education. The bill requires the study to do the following:

·         identify and track:

o   the number of students with ASD who graduate from secondary schools in Texas;

o   the number of students with ASD who are enrolled at public institutions of higher education;

o   the student financial assistance available to students with ASD who enroll at public institutions of higher education; and

o   the graduation rates of students with ASD who enroll at public institutions of higher education; and

·         identify and examine best practices and program modules from public and private institutions of higher education outside Texas that have achieved successful results in working with students with ASD.

S.B. 55 requires the THECB, in conducting the study, to collaborate with the Texas Education Agency regarding specialized programs offered by elementary or secondary schools for students with ASD to determine how those programs could be replicated at or extended to postsecondary institutions. The bill prohibits the THECB from requesting, requiring, or using personally identifiable student information in conducting the study.

S.B. 55 requires the THECB, not later than December 1, 2025, to submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the commissioner of education a written report that includes the study's findings and any recommendations for legislative or other action. The bill's provisions expire January 1, 2026.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.