Bill Caption

Relating to a supplemental special education services and instructional materials program for certain public school students receiving special education services.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two­-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB1716, Committee Report 2nd House, As Amended: a negative impact of ($60,561,243) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.

The Texas Education Agency is required to implement this Act only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the agency may, but is not required to, implement the Act using other appropriations available for the purpose.  The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

SB 1716 would require The Texas Education Agency to establish and administer a supplemental special education services and instructional materials program for students who meet the eligibility requirements for participation in the program. The agency would provide each eligible student a credit of not more than $1,500 to purchase supplemental special education services and supplemental special education instructional materials.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is opposed to SB 1716 on the principle of limited government because this bill would create an expensive new taxpayer-funded program. Texas already has programs that offer services to students in special education.