SB159 - Relating to an education and training program for certain public transportation vehicle operators on interacting with and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  89R2400 BEE-D     By: Menéndez S.B. No. 159       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to an education and training program for certain public   transportation vehicle operators on interacting with and   supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental   disabilities.          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   authority under this section.          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.