SB 159

relating to an education and training program for certain public
transportation vehicle operators on interacting with and
supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 451, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 451.114 to read as follows:
Sec. 451.114.  REQUIRED EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM ON
INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES:
CERTAIN AUTHORITIES.  (a)  This section applies only to an authority
created before 1980 in which the principal municipality has a
population of less than 1.9 million.
(b)  An authority shall establish an education and training
program on interacting with and supporting individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals
with autism spectrum disorder, for employees of the authority who
operate vehicles used to provide public transportation services for
the authority.  The program must include instruction relating to:
(1)  identifying and communicating with individuals
with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including
individuals with autism spectrum disorder; and
(2)  assisting an individual with an intellectual or
developmental disability, including an individual with an autism
spectrum disorder, to safely enter and exit a vehicle used to
provide public transportation services.
(c)  An authority, or a person with whom the authority
contracts, may not allow an employee to operate a vehicle used to
provide public transportation services for the authority unless the
employee has completed the training program established by the
SECTION 2.  Not later than March 1, 2026, a rapid transit
authority shall establish the training program required by Section
451.114, Transportation Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this
section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
(b)  Section 451.114(c), Transportation Code, as added by
this Act, takes effect September 1, 2026.