Relating to a parental right to information concerning a public school special education program and certain requirements for persons serving as special education representatives and hearing officers at impartial due process hearings; authorizing a fee.
What changed between versions
Added a requirement for the agency to produce and provide parents with a comprehensive, easily understood document explaining the special education process, parental rights, and how to access resources.
Created a new Section 29.0165 requiring the agency to develop and offer a special education law training course with biennial updates, including specific curriculum requirements on laws, procedures, privacy, and ethics.
Added a consumer complaint provision allowing parents to file complaints against non-attorney representatives who accept payment for services.
Established new eligibility criteria for non-attorney representatives, including prohibitions on individuals with false or misleading conduct history and conflicts of interest with school districts.
Modified the ability of non-attorney representatives to accept payment from parents, now requiring completion of approved training courses and proof of eligibility before accepting such payment.
Added requirements for representatives to agree to a code of ethics and enter into written representation agreements that include dispute resolution processes.
Added immediate effect provision contingent on a two-thirds legislative vote, with a default effective date of September 1, 2025 if that threshold is not met.
