The bill, S.B. No. 752, aims to enhance the safety of individuals with disabilities during emergencies at public postsecondary institutions in Texas. It amends Section 51.217 of the Education Code to require institutions to adopt a multihazard emergency operations plan that includes specific provisions for ensuring equal access to safety for students, personnel, and guests with disabilities. This includes the development of an emergency plan that accommodates various disabilities and provides access to emergency evacuation assistance devices. Additionally, the bill mandates the implementation of a safety and security audit and the installation of emergency evacuation assistance devices in buildings with two or more floors.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new sections, 61.06643 and 61.06644, which require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to adopt rules for the emergency operations plan provisions for individuals with disabilities and to establish a grant program to assist institutions in purchasing and installing evacuation assistance devices. The grant program will prioritize institutions based on the number of students needing such devices. The rules and provisions outlined in the bill are set to be adopted by May 1, 2026, and will take effect in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.217 (Education Code 51)