The bill, S.B. No. 172, aims to enhance the support for special education in public schools by establishing the role of a special education liaison. It amends Section 29.005(a) of the Education Code to specify that if a school district employs a special education liaison, that individual will serve as the district's representative on the committee responsible for developing a child's individualized education program (IEP). Additionally, the bill introduces a new Section 29.029, which mandates that the commissioner of education provide funding for school districts to hire one or more special education liaisons. These liaisons will perform various duties related to IEPs, including serving as experts in their development, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and providing guidance to educators and parents.

The responsibilities of the special education liaison include conducting manifestation determination hearings, performing functional behavioral assessments, and offering case management for students with IEPs. They will also communicate with school administrators and provide training to special education staff. The bill outlines that the commissioner may adopt rules for its implementation and requires that funding be allocated to school districts as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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