The bill, H.B. No. 1011, mandates that school districts implement screenings for pediatric feeding disorders in students with certain disabilities. It introduces new requirements for individualized education programs (IEPs) for these students, which must include a safe feeding and swallowing plan tailored to their specific needs. This plan should address various aspects such as the level of support required during feeding, appropriate feeding environments, dietary modifications, cultural dietary restrictions, and necessary precautions. The bill also defines "pediatric feeding disorder" and establishes that students presenting with feeding or swallowing concerns must be screened or rescreened according to rules set forth by the Health and Safety Code.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of school districts to coordinate with the Department of State Health Services in developing a screening program. It specifies that screenings must be conducted by a qualified group of professionals, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other relevant specialists. The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules to comply with the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.005, Health and Safety Code 36.004 (Education Code 29, Health and Safety Code 36)