The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss several key legislative measures aimed at improving support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as addressing educational workforce needs in Texas.

The meeting began with a focus on House Bill 1188, now known as the Caitlin Handley Act. This bill mandates that school districts provide written information about local intellectual and developmental disability authorities to parents or guardians of students with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays during the first admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee meeting. The intent is to ensure families receive timely referrals to services that can assist them in planning for their child's future. The bill has garnered bipartisan support and was presented by Carrie Handley, whose daughter inspired the legislation. She emphasized the importance of early access to resources, stating that many families are unaware of available services until it is too late.

Public testimony included support from various stakeholders, including parents and advocacy groups. Testimonies highlighted the challenges families face in navigating the system and the critical need for early intervention. The bill aims to bridge this gap by providing essential information at the outset of a child's educational journey.

Following the discussion on HB 1188, the committee reviewed House Bill 2856, which directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the feasibility of a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements for students in higher education. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of clinical training opportunities in healthcare fields, addressing workforce shortages in Texas.

The committee also considered House Bill 3126, which allows certain school districts and open enrollment charter schools to rejoin the TRS active care program under specific conditions. This bill aims to provide better health insurance options for school employees.

Lastly, the committee discussed House Joint Resolution 5, which proposes a permanent endowment to fund capital infrastructure needs for career and technical education programs at the Texas State Technical College System. This resolution seeks to address the growing skills gap in Texas by ensuring stable funding for technical education.

The meeting concluded with all discussed bills left pending for further consideration. The committee's discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing educational resources and support for students with special needs while also addressing workforce development in critical sectors.