The bill, H.B. No. 2219, amends Section 29.003(b) of the Education Code to expand the eligibility criteria for special education services in public schools. Specifically, it adds "fetal alcohol spectrum disorder" as a qualifying disability for students aged three to 21, alongside existing categories such as physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, autism, speech disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. The amendment aims to ensure that students with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder receive the necessary support and services to be adequately educated in public schools.

In addition to the insertion of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder as a qualifying condition, the bill also removes the word "or" from the list of disabilities, indicating a restructuring of the eligibility criteria. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.003 (Education Code 29)