House Bill No. 1706 aims to enhance the requirements for individualized education programs (IEPs) for children with autism or other pervasive developmental disorders in Texas. The bill introduces new provisions that mandate admission, review, and dismissal committees to consider specific strategies identified by the commissioner as appropriate for these children. These strategies must be based on peer-reviewed, research-based educational practices. If a committee decides that a strategy is not suitable for inclusion in a child's IEP, they are required to document this decision along with the rationale.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that school districts must provide parents with written information about these strategies at least seven days before committee meetings. If a parent is not proficient in English, the district must offer translations of this information into Spanish or make a good faith effort to translate it into the parent's native language. The provisions outlined in this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring that parents are adequately informed and involved in the educational planning for their children with autism or similar disorders.

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