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Welcome to the latest edition of Texas Legislative News for the 89th Texas Legislature. In this regular feature, we provide information on disability-related issues and bills under consideration at the State Capitol. We also explain how lawmakers conduct business, and we share details on upcoming TCDD events.
The Texas Legislative News took a break last week due to TCDD’s Quarterly Council and Committee Meetings. Now, we’re back with a lot to catch up on!
Governor Names Emergency Items
Gov. Greg Abbott gave his State of the State address on Sunday, Feb. 2, and broadcast it live over a variety of TV stations. He laid out his priorities for the session and announced seven “emergency items.” These are topics that the Legislature can take up immediately, sidestepping state constitutional guidelines regarding the timely consideration of bills. The governor’s items include property tax relief, water infrastructure, bail reform, the creation of a Texas “cyber command,” career training, teacher pay raises, and private school vouchers.
Senate Passes School Voucher Bill
After the announcement of the governor’s emergency items, the Texas Senate wasted no time in considering one of them: private school vouchers. The chamber debated Senate Bill (SB) 2 by Sen. Brandon Creighton, which would establish a statewide program using public dollars to pay private school tuition. After consideration of nearly 40 amendments, the bill passed on a vote of 19-12.
For participating students enrolling in private school, their families would receive an allotment of $10,000 per year or $11,500 per year if the student has a disability. Students would be eligible whether they are entering school for the first time; currently enrolled in public school; or currently enrolled in private school or homeschool. A priority funding system would go into effect if the number of students applying would require more state dollars than were appropriated. Under the proposed budgets filed by the House and Senate, $1 billion would be allocated to the program.
The House’s disagreement with a similar proposal during the last legislative session in 2023 resulted in a number of special sessions, increased animosity between the speaker of the House and other state leaders, and primary election challenges that led to a number of incumbent lawmakers losing their seats. Voucher proponents now believe they have enough votes to pass the measure in the House. We’ll watch to see if that’s the case.
Senate Committees Now Meeting
Many Senate committees have now held their first meetings of the session. These early meetings typically center around invited testimony from the state agencies the committees oversee. The Senate Finance Committee has been particularly busy with multiple hearings taking testimony on SB 1, the general appropriations bill. You can find a list of upcoming Senate committee meetings on the Capitol website.
Meanwhile, the House has yet to make committee assignments. Those are expected to be released soon, and House committees will begin meeting shortly thereafter.
Bill Filing Continues
About a month into the legislative session, lawmakers have filed nearly 4,000 bills to consider in the coming months. Recently filed proposals related to disability issues include:
- House Bill (HB) 2168 by Rep. Terri Leo Wilson, relating to the Texas Commission on Federal Special Education Law and Funding.
- HB 2219 by Rep. Ana Hernandez, relating to the eligibility of a student with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder for special education services provided by a public school.
- HB 2292 by Rep. Alma Allen, relating to banning certain releases of a student to the student’s parent after school-initiated communication by a school district or open-enrollment charter school.
- HB 2310 by Rep. Claudia Ordaz, relating to developing a strategic plan for the improvement and expansion of early learning and educational opportunities for young children with disabilities.
- HB 2419 by Rep. Mary González, relating to special education and special education funding under the Foundation School Program.
- HB 2542 by Rep. Stan Kitzman, relating to the establishment of a work group to study and make recommendations on certain services needed by people with developmental disabilities.
- SB 1046 by Sen. Tan Parker, relating to the composition of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Executive Council.
- SB 1092 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, relating to the referral of certain students receiving special education services to a local intellectual and developmental disability authority for services or public benefits.
Stay Informed
Throughout the 89th Texas legislative session, you can stay up to date on how lawmakers address disability issues by following us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also check out our Policy section to learn more about our legislative engagement and find resources to support your own advocacy.
