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

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

FULL TEXT:
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.