The commissioner must make special education grants available to school districts, and eligible districts may apply for them.
Sec. 29.018. SPECIAL EDUCATION GRANT. (a) From funds appropriated for the purposes of this section, federal funds, or any other funds available, the commissioner shall make grants available to school districts to assist districts in covering the cost of educating students with disabilities. (b) A school district is eligible to apply for a grant under this section if: (1) the district does not receive sufficient funds, including state funds provided under Sections 48.102 and 48.1021 and federal funds, for a student with disabilities to pay for the special education services provided to the student; or (2) the district does not receive sufficient funds, including state funds provided under Sections 48.102 and 48.1021 and federal funds, for all students with disabilities in the district to pay for the special education services provided to the students. (c) A school district that applies for a grant under this section must provide the commissioner with a report comparing the state and federal funds received by the district for students with disabilities and the expenses incurred by the district in providing special education services to students with disabilities. (d) Expenses that may be included by a school district in applying for a grant under this section include the cost of training personnel to provide special education services to a student with disabilities. (e) A school district that receives a grant under this section must educate students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment that is appropriate to meet the student's educational needs. (f) The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to administer this section. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1328 (H.B. 3646), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2009. Amended by: Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 3.027, eff. September 1, 2019. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1065 (H.B. 2), Sec. 4.19, eff. June 20, 2025. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 19, eff. June 20, 2025.