The bill, S.B. No. 1671, introduces new requirements for individualized education programs (IEPs) for students placed in alternative special education settings in Texas. It adds Sections 29.0053 and 29.0105 to the Education Code, defining "alternative special education setting" and outlining the responsibilities of the committees that develop IEPs for these students. Specifically, the bill mandates that committees create individualized, measurable goals for academic and social-emotional growth, ensuring that students are placed in the least restrictive environment suitable for their educational needs. Additionally, these committees are required to meet at least once each semester to review student progress and assess the possibility of returning students to general education settings.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for monitoring alternative special education settings. It requires the Texas Education Agency to assign unique identification numbers to these settings for data collection and compliance monitoring. The comprehensive monitoring system must include specific oversight of compliance with the new IEP requirements and ongoing data analysis to identify discrepancies between students in alternative settings and those in general education. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, unless it receives immediate approval from the legislature.

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