HB 1011

AN ACT relating to required screenings for pediatric feeding disorder for

House Bill Johnson
Filed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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Fiscal Note

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What This Bill Does

This Texas bill requires school districts to screen students with special education needs for pediatric feeding disorder, creating individualized feeding plans for affected students. For students diagnosed with the disorder, schools must develop a comprehensive safe feeding and swallowing plan that addresses nutrition, hydration, dietary needs, positioning, equipment, and potential emergency precautions. The screening will be conducted by professionals like speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, with implementation beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

Subject Areas

Bill Text

relating to required screenings for pediatric feeding disorder for
students with certain disabilities and to the individualized
education programs for certain public school students with
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 29.005, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows:
(e-1)  The commissioner by rule shall require a school
district to include in the individualized education program of a
student with pediatric feeding disorder, as determined by the
results of a screening required under Section 29.023:
(1)  a safe feeding and swallowing plan that specifies
individualized strategies that promote safe, efficient, and
adequate nutrition and hydration for the student while on a school
campus, including, as determined necessary for the student:
(A)  the level of support that the student
(B)  the appropriate feeding environment for the
(C)  the student's dietary modifications or
accommodations, including food allergies;
(D)  the student's cultural dietary restrictions;
(E)  the appropriate positioning of the student
(F)  the equipment necessary for food preparation
(G)  the appropriate feeding techniques; or
(H)  any precautions, including emergency
(2)  any information or requirement determined
necessary to ensure the student receives a free appropriate public
education as required under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.).
SECTION 2.  Subchapter A, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 29.023 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.023.  PEDIATRIC FEEDING DISORDER SCREENING.  (a) In
this section, "pediatric feeding disorder" means impaired oral
intake that is not age appropriate and is associated with medical,
nutritional, feeding skill, or psychological dysfunction that
requires intervention through an individualized safe feeding and
(b)  Each school district shall ensure that a student who is
eligible to receive special education services under this
subchapter and presents with a feeding or swallowing concern is
screened or rescreened for pediatric feeding disorder in accordance
with rules adopted for that purpose under Section 36.004, Health
(c)  A school district may coordinate with the Department of
State Health Services in developing a pediatric feeding disorder
screening program under this section and may receive assistance
from the department under Section 36.004, Health and Safety Code.
SECTION 3.  Section 36.003, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subdivision (2-a) to read as follows:
(2-a) "Pediatric feeding disorder" means impaired oral
intake that is not age appropriate and is associated with medical,
nutritional, feeding skill, or psychological dysfunction that
requires intervention through an individualized safe feeding and
SECTION 4.  Section 36.004, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsections (b-2) and (b-3) to read as follows:
(b-2)  The rules must include screening and rescreening
requirements for pediatric feeding disorder for any individual who
is eligible to receive special education services under Subchapter
A, Chapter 29, Education Code, and presents with a feeding or
(b-3)  A screening or rescreening required under Subsection
(b-2) must be conducted by a group of professionals with experience
in assessing pediatric feeding disorder, which may include any of
(1)  a speech-language pathologist;
(2)  an occupational therapist;
(4)  a parent of the individual screened;
SECTION 5.  Section 29.023, Education Code, as added by this
Act, applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
SECTION 6.  As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall adopt or amend rules as necessary to
comply with Sections 36.004(b-2) and (b-3), Health and Safety Code,
SECTION 7.  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, 2025.

Bill Sponsors

Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to required screenings for pediatric feeding disorder for