The 89th Texas Legislature is currently in its second special session. This special session began on August 15, 2025, and follows a first special session that ran from July 21 to August 15. Both of these occurred after the regular 89th Legislative Session adjourned on June 2, 2025.

 

Currently this second special session is focused on the following:

• Redistricting.

• Flood warning systems and emergency communications.

• Relief funding for Hill Country flood victims.

• Reforming regulations for preparing for and recovering from natural disasters.

• Eliminating the STAAR test.

• Proposals related to THC products.

 

Here is a brief update on key legislation from the initial 89th regular legislative session specific to IDD services and supports:

School and Education

• Referrals to Local IDD Authorities (HB 1188): Signed into law, this bill requires schools to refer students who receive special education services to a Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) for additional services and public benefits. The legislation aims to connect families with long-term support and vital resources early on.

• Special Education Funding (HB 2): Passed by the legislature, this bill includes a new, needs-based funding formula for special education. It also adds $615 million in annual special education funding and introduces a $1,000 allotment for each full individual evaluation conducted by schools.

• Inclusive Emergency Preparedness (SB 57): This new law requires public schools to include individualized accommodations for students with disabilities in their emergency plans. It ensures safety drills, evacuations, and lockdown procedures account for their specific support needs.

• Higher Education (HB 2081 and SB 769): Two new laws support students with IDD in higher education.

• HB 2081 establishes the Building Better Futures Program to support educational and occupational training opportunities at public and private institutions.

• SB 769 adds requirements for higher education reporting on students with disabilities.

• Private School Vouchers (SB 2): Signed into law, this bill establishes a statewide Education Savings Account (ESA) program: While it allows eligible students with disabilities to receive up to $30,000 annually for therapies and specialized services, some disability advocates expressed concerns about the impact of using public funds for private schooling.

 

Criminal Justice

• De-escalation Training (HB 2756): This law, effective September 1, 2025, mandates training on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health for Texas Department of Criminal Justice correctional officers. The training includes "increased awareness of persons with... intellectual and developmental disabilities".

 

Other Key Topics

• Interest List Reduction: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received authority from the 87th Legislature (2021) and additional funding via Senate Bill 1 to address long interest lists for Medicaid and other programs, including the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver programs.

• Workgroup on Services (HB 2542): This legislation, passed by the House, creates a workgroup to make recommendations on services for people with developmental disabilities.

• Tenant Legal Services (HB 1063): Testimony was submitted in support of this bill, which would allow local governments to create tenant legal service offices to assist low-income and disabled tenants, among others.

 

Although there was some positive movement in advancing IDD services and supports across the State there is still much work to be done.   I encourage you to continue to work with your local state legislators and educate them and their staff on what is still needed in your area.  Advocacy never stops and education must continue.