House Bill No. 1813 aims to enhance parental rights and information access regarding public school special education programs in Texas. The bill amends Section 26.0081 of the Education Code to require the Texas Education Agency to produce a comprehensive document that outlines the process for developing individualized education programs (IEPs) and details 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 mandates that this information be included in the notice of procedural safeguards provided to parents.

The bill also introduces new qualifications and requirements for special education representatives and hearing officers involved in due process hearings. It establishes a special education law training course that non-attorney representatives must complete to ensure they are knowledgeable about relevant laws and procedures. The Texas Education Agency is authorized to charge a fee for this training, but options for free or discounted training will be available for individuals demonstrating financial need. The bill emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and requires representatives to enter into written agreements with the parents they represent. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the support and resources available to parents navigating the special education system.

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)