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 costs and the nature of the legal claims. The board must then decide whether to settle the case or authorize additional spending beyond the cap.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts report monthly on ongoing legal proceedings where costs exceed the established limit, ensuring that such reports do not disclose personally identifiable student information. The Texas Education Agency is also tasked with compiling and posting this information on its website, both statewide and by individual district. The provisions of this bill will apply only to legal proceedings filed on or after its effective date, which could be immediate or set for September 1, 2025, depending on legislative approval.

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