H.B. No. 1813 aims to enhance parental rights and information access regarding public school special education programs in Texas. The bill mandates the Texas Education Agency to produce a comprehensive document that outlines the process for developing individualized education programs (IEPs) and clarifies parents' rights and responsibilities. This document will now include specific information about the right to representation by an attorney or other representative during special education due process hearings, as well as guidance on filing consumer complaints against non-attorney representatives who charge for their services. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the agency to include this information in the notice of procedural safeguards provided to parents.

The bill also establishes new qualifications and requirements for individuals serving as non-attorney representatives in special education hearings. It prohibits individuals who have engaged in deceptive practices from serving as representatives and requires them to have knowledge of special education laws and procedures. Furthermore, if representatives receive compensation, they must adhere to a code of ethics and enter into a written agreement with the parents they represent. A new section is added to mandate the development of a special education law training course for non-attorney representatives, which may include a fee for participation, while ensuring options for free or discounted training for those in financial need. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 26.0081, Education Code 29.0162 (Education Code 26, Education Code 29)
House Committee Report: Education Code 26.0081, Education Code 29.0162 (Education Code 26, Education Code 29)
Engrossed: Education Code 26.0081, Education Code 29.0162 (Education Code 26, Education Code 29)