The bill, H.B. No. 3170, aims to enhance transparency in special education legal proceedings involving school districts and to impose a cap on the legal fees that these districts can incur during such proceedings. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 44.903, to the Education Code, which stipulates that a school district may not spend more than $10,000 in legal fees to defend itself in a due process complaint alleging violations of special education laws. If the legal fees approach this limit, the district superintendent is required to report to the board of trustees, detailing the current costs and providing an estimate of future legal expenses.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts must post monthly reports on their websites and submit them to the relevant agency regarding ongoing legal proceedings that exceed the fee limit. These reports must include general information about the proceedings and the total legal fees incurred, while ensuring compliance with privacy laws by excluding personally identifiable student information. The agency is also tasked with compiling and posting this information on its website, both statewide and by individual school district. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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