Bill Caption

Relating to alternative dispute resolution methods regarding educational services for students with disabilities, including individualized education program facilitation.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB542: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2015. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. TEA has identified adequate federal funding to cover the costs of implementing the provisions of the bill, although any impact to these funds by the sequestration of TEA's federal funds could result in additional costs to General Revenue. A school district may incur additional costs if they choose to offer individualized education program facilitation outside of the State Individualized Education Program Facilitation Project.

Bill Analysis

Summary: SB 542 would require the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to inform parents whose students attend public schools that they can participate in the current individualized education program facilitation to assist with enhancing communication between the school and the parents who have children in special needs education. Furthermore, this legislation would permit federal funding for an independent facilitator to intervene before a situation between the parent and school escalates to a mediator or hearing.

Analysis: SB 542 would expand the scope of government and create additional costs by establishing a role that adds layers of administration to the education process. We oppose SB 542.