The bill, S.B. No. 198, introduces additional requirements for individualized education programs (IEPs) specifically for children with autism or other pervasive developmental disorders. It amends Section 29.005 of the Education Code by adding Subsection (e-2), which mandates that the admission, review, and dismissal committee must consider strategies identified under commissioner rule that are appropriate for these children and based on peer-reviewed, research-based practices. If a strategy is deemed inappropriate or impracticable, the committee is required to document this decision along with the rationale in the child's IEP.

Furthermore, the bill adds Section 29.0052, which stipulates that school districts must provide parents with written information about these strategies at least seven days before committee meetings. The committee must evaluate each strategy during the meeting and document any decisions made regarding their inclusion in the IEP. Additionally, if a parent is not proficient in English, the school district is required to provide translated materials in Spanish or make a good faith effort to translate them into the parent's native language. This legislation is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.005 (Education Code 29)