Relating to an education and training program for certain public transportation vehicle operators on interacting with and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SB 159 requires certain public transportation authorities (specifically those created before 1980 in municipalities with under 1.9 million residents) to establish mandatory training for drivers on interacting with riders who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, including autism. The training must cover identifying and communicating with these riders, as well as safely assisting them to board and exit vehicles. Authorities must implement the program by March 1, 2026, and drivers cannot operate vehicles without completing it. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with the driver training requirement beginning September 1, 2026. This directly affects public transit operators in smaller Texas cities governed by older transit authorities.