The bill amends the Education Code to update the terminology used in determining eligibility for special education services in public schools. Specifically, it modifies the definition of emotional disturbance to "emotional dysregulation," aligning it with federal regulations. The bill retains the existing criteria for eligibility, which includes various disabilities such as visual or auditory impairments, physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, speech disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection that clarifies the definition of "emotional dysregulation" as per the federal standard outlined in 34 C.F.R. Section 300.8(c)(4). This change aims to ensure consistency in the language used to describe disabilities, thereby potentially improving the understanding and implementation of special education services. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.003 (Education Code 29)