83R9293 JSL-F
 
  By: Lucio S.B. No. 709
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to representation of a person in a special education
  impartial due process hearing.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 29.0162 to read as follows:
         Sec. 29.0162.  REPRESENTATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DUE
  PROCESS HEARING. A person in an impartial due process hearing
  brought under 20 U.S.C. Section 1415 may be represented by:
               (1)  an attorney who is licensed in this state; or
               (2)  an individual with special knowledge or training
  with respect to problems of children with disabilities.
         SECTION 2.  Section 29.0162, Education Code, as added by
  this Act, applies only to representation at an impartial due
  process hearing brought under 20 U.S.C. Section 1415 that begins on
  or after the effective date of the Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2013.