HB1783 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

ST BD ED-LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT
Last Action
4/28/2026 - Senate: Assigned to Education
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
New Act  
Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Language Equality Acquisition for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Children Act. Provides that the State Board of Education, in cooperation with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission and the Department of Human Services, shall establish a language assessment program for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children, and select language developmental milestones. Sets forth provisions concerning the scope and purpose of the program and the development of a resource for use by parents and guardians. Provides that the State Board, in cooperation with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission and the Department of Human Services, shall select tools or assessments for educators that can be used to assess the language and literacy development of all deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children. Sets forth provisions concerning the tools or assessments. Provides that beginning on July 1, 2026, a language assessment shall be given to each child who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and who is less than 6 years of age. Sets forth provisions concerning the assessment. Provides that an advisory committee on language assessment programs shall be established by the State Board, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, and the Department of Human Services. Sets forth the membership and duties of the advisory committee. Provides that on or before July 1, 2026, the State Board, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, and the Department of Human Services shall publish a joint action plan and may propose legislation and rules necessary to implement the recommendations of the advisory committee. Sets forth provisions concerning reporting and rulemaking. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 2
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Language Equality Acquisition for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind Children Act. Provides that the Act applies to children from birth to 5 years of age and is subject to appropriation. Provides that the Department of Human Services, in consultation with various State agencies, shall establish a language needs and monitoring program for deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind children. Provides that an advisory committee on language needs and monitoring shall be established. Provides that the Department, in consultation with various State agencies, shall publish a joint action plan that considers the recommendations of the advisory committee and may propose legislation and rules necessary to implement the Act. Provides for reporting, information sharing, and rulemaking. Effective immediately.
Actions
DateChamberAction
1/27/2025HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Michelle Mussman
1/28/2025HouseFirst Reading
1/28/2025HouseReferred to Rules Committee
2/25/2025HouseAssigned to Education Policy Committee
3/21/2025HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
3/28/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr.
2/17/2026HouseAssigned to Education Policy Committee
3/17/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Michelle Mussman
3/17/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
3/19/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Education Policy Committee
3/19/2026HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Education Policy Committee; 013-000-000
3/19/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled
3/19/2026HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
3/20/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael Crawford
3/20/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock
3/20/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Laura Faver Dias
3/20/2026HouseRemoved Co-Sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr.
3/20/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr.
3/20/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Nicole La Ha
3/20/2026HouseChief Co-Sponsor Changed to Rep. Laura Faver Dias
3/20/2026HouseChief Co-Sponsor Changed to Rep. Edgar González, Jr.
4/10/2026HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
4/10/2026HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
4/13/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Janet Yang Rohr
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Michelle Mussman
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Rules Refers to Education Policy Committee
4/15/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Education Policy Committee; 011-000-000
4/16/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
4/16/2026HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
4/16/2026HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 105-000-000
4/21/2026SenateArrive in Senate
4/21/2026SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading
4/21/2026SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel
4/21/2026SenateFirst Reading
4/21/2026SenateReferred to Assignments
4/28/2026SenateAssigned to Education