Overall Vote Recommendation

Yes

Principle Criteria

Free Enterprise

Property Rights

Personal Responsibility

Limited Government

Individual Liberty

Digest

SB 57 amends the Texas Education Code to require public schools to include accommodations for students with disabilities or impairments in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan during mandatory school drills and emergency situations. The bill ensures that each student’s safety needs are considered in emergency planning, addressing potential mobility, communication, or sensory challenges that could arise during evacuations or lockdowns.

Under SB 57, a student’s IEP or 504 committee must assess whether specific accommodations are necessary for the student to safely participate in required school safety drills (such as fire, lockdown, or severe weather drills). If accommodations are identified, they must be documented in the student’s plan, and the details must be shared with relevant school administrators responsible for emergency preparedness. Additionally, the bill directs schools to follow guidelines established by the Texas Education Commissioner to ensure consistent implementation across districts.

The Committee Substitute for SB 57 builds on the originally filed bill by refining its language and strengthening its accountability measures. While both versions aim to ensure that students with disabilities are safely accommodated during mandatory school drills and emergencies, the substitute version provides clearer implementation guidelines and stronger oversight mechanisms. One significant change is that the substitute requires specific identification and documentation of each disability and the necessary accommodations in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, rather than just recommending them. This ensures that schools must take concrete actions rather than leaving accommodations as optional suggestions.

The substitute bill also expands the role of state oversight by mandating that school emergency operations plans align with TEA-established guidelines. This change promotes standardization across school districts and prevents inconsistencies in how emergency accommodations are implemented. Additionally, the substitute version broadens stakeholder input, requiring the Texas School Safety Center, regional education service centers, educators, and disability advocates to be consulted in developing these guidelines. This ensures that the policies reflect real-world needs and best practices.

Another key improvement is the addition of a clear implementation timeline. The substitute bill requires TEA to establish guidelines by December 1, 2025, and ensures that the new requirements take effect starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This gives school districts adequate time to prepare and integrate these accommodations into their emergency plans. Overall, the Committee Substitute strengthens the enforceability, clarity, and effectiveness of SB 57 while maintaining its core mission of enhancing safety for students with disabilities.

Author

Judith Zaffirini

Contact the Author

Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Capitol Phone:

(512) 463-0121

Capitol Office:

CAP 1E.13

E-Mail:

[email protected]

Visit Official Website

Fiscal Notes

According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and other relevant state agencies should be able to absorb any associated costs within their existing budgets. This means that no additional state funding or appropriations are expected to be necessary for the bill’s implementation.

For local education agencies (LEAs), the bill may result in some administrative costs related to reevaluating safety accommodations for students with disabilities. Schools will need to review and update their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans to ensure they include necessary emergency accommodations. Additionally, districts may need to conduct assessments to determine gaps in their current emergency preparedness for students with disabilities. However, these costs are not expected to be substantial, as most schools already have some existing protocols in place for accommodating students with disabilities.

In summary, SB 57 does not impose a significant financial burden on the state and is expected to be manageable for local school districts within their current resources. The primary costs will likely involve administrative adjustments and procedural updates, rather than large-scale infrastructure or personnel expenditures.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 57, as the bill effectively addresses a critical gap in school emergency preparedness by ensuring that students with disabilities receive necessary accommodations during mandatory school drills and emergency situations. The bill amends the Texas Education Code to require that these accommodations be integrated into Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, providing a structured and enforceable framework for schools to follow. By mandating compliance with guidelines set by the Texas Education Commissioner, the bill ensures consistency in how schools develop and implement these accommodations.

Support for SB 57 is largely based on its commitment to student safety, equal access, and preparedness. The bill ensures that schools systematically evaluate the needs of students with disabilities, making provisions for their safety in multihazard emergency operations plans. Additionally, by requiring state oversight and consultation with key stakeholders, including educators, administrators, and disability advocates, the legislation promotes a collaborative approach to emergency planning. This further strengthens the bill’s effectiveness while ensuring schools receive the necessary guidance and support to implement these changes.

The bill’s structured timeline for compliance—with the Texas Education Agency required to establish guidelines by June 1, 2026, and implementation starting in the 2026-2027 school year—allows schools sufficient time to prepare and adjust.

View Bill Text and Status