Bill

HB 1886

85(R) - 2017
House Public Education
Senate Education
House Public Education
Senate Education

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Rick Miller

Co-Author(s)

Dennis Bonnen
Pat Fallon
Ryan Guillen
Tomas Uresti
John Zerwas

Sponsor(s)

Joan Huffman

Bill Caption

Relating to dyslexia testing, the designation by the Texas Education Agency of a dyslexia specialist, and the development by the agency of a list of training opportunities for educators regarding dyslexia.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would require kindergarten and first grade students at open-enrollment charter schools and public school districts to be screened or tested for dyslexia. Each regional education service center would be required to employ a dyslexic specialist in order to provide education and resources to aid dyslexic students. New training opportunities regarding dyslexia would be required, including at least one online training opportunity.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Testing or screening for learning disorders is within the state's responsibilities within public education and many school districts already screen for dyslexia so it is likely this would not be a new burden for those districts, although it may be an additional burden for districts and charters not already addressing this. Ultimately this does not appear to affect our liberty principles and we remain neutral.