House Bill No. 466 aims to improve the educational policies and procedures for public school students with disabilities in Texas by amending various sections of the Education Code. Notably, it introduces new definitions for "Parent" and "Special services" in Section 29.002, and revises Section 29.011 to ensure that transition services for students in special education comply with federal requirements, highlighting the role of parents and representatives in the transition process. The bill also broadens the criteria for individuals who can represent students in due process hearings, now including parents, agents under power of attorney, and educational representatives.

Additionally, the bill establishes Section 29.0171, which details the appointment process for educational representatives for students aged 18 and older or those whose disabilities of minority have been removed. It allows students to rescind the appointment of their educational representative at any time, ensuring that rights previously held by parents transfer to the student upon rescission. The bill clarifies that a certification of a student's inability to provide informed consent does not imply incompetence for other legal purposes and mandates confidentiality for related documentation. It also tasks the commissioner with developing model forms for certifications and repeals Section 29.017(f) of the Education Code. The bill will take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.002, Education Code 29.011, Education Code 29.0162, Education Code 29.017 (Education Code 29)