The bill, H.B. No. 2875, aims to establish guidelines for school districts in Texas to develop local policies addressing eloping behavior among students with autism or other intellectual or developmental disabilities. It introduces a new section, 29.031, to the Education Code, defining "eloping" as the act of leaving a safe or supervised area unexpectedly, often due to sensory triggers or communication challenges. The bill encourages school districts to adopt policies that focus on behavioral support plans, staff training on eloping causes and safety measures, and nonpunitive approaches to incidents of eloping, ensuring they are not treated as disciplinary infractions.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that policies must not classify eloping as intentional absconding or fleeing for unlawful purposes. It allows for collaboration between school districts and law enforcement or emergency services to create protocols for the safe recovery of students who elope. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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