The Texas Senate has unanimously passed a significant special education reform bill, Committee Substitute Senate Bill 568 (CSSB 568), which was introduced by Senator Paul Bettencourt. The bill, which aims to overhaul the funding structure for special education in Texas, has advanced to the Texas House of Representatives after receiving a 30-0 vote.

Senator Bettencourt emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “This is a monumental step forward for the nearly 775,000 students and counting receiving special education services in Texas.” He highlighted that the bill incorporates input from educators, parents, legislators, and advocacy groups, introducing the first ever Texas intensity based funding model to support students with disabilities throughout the state.

CSSB 568 is based on recommendations from the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding, shifting from an outdated placement-based model to a system that aligns resources with the needs of students based on service intensity.

Senator Bettencourt further remarked, “Families of children with disabilities shouldn’t have to fight for basic support. This bill gives them more than a voice — it gives every child a pathway to succeed, with hopes to make a difference in our communities just like it did for Senator Hagenbuch who has dyslexia like 25% of current American CEOs.”

The reform also involves modernizing the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program, renaming it to Parent-Directed Services, and integrating funding into the Foundation School Program. This change aims to expand access for eligible students into public information channels of the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Education Agency.

Sen. Bettencourt concluded his remarks by mentioning the financial implications and the starting timeline of the bill, stating, “The public will see the results of this $700 million dollar bill as it would start next year and fully implemented into the 2025-26 school year. All we need is another unanimous vote in the House and a signature by the Governor!”