✅Relating to provisions and plans by public schools to ensure the safety of individuals with disabilities or impairments during a mandatory school drill or a disaster or emergency situation

✅ SB 57: School safety plans must include disability accommodations

What it says it does:
SB 57 requires schools to account for students and staff with disabilities during mandatory safety drills and emergencies. It directs IEP and 504 teams to include needed accommodations and makes the Commissioner of Education set statewide guidelines for how districts plan and document those supports.

What it actually changes:
It adds new rules to the Education Code so every IEP or 504 plan must note specific drill accommodations if needed, and it requires those details to be shared with campus and district emergency planners. It also expands safety committee membership to include a special education administrator and allows private discussion of student plans.

Who is pushing for it:
In the files, the author is Sen. Judith Zaffirini with House sponsor Rep. Gonzáles of El Paso. Supporters listed include The Arc of Texas, Autism Society of Texas, Disability Rights Texas, NAMI Texas, Texas PTA, and educator associations like ATPE and the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

Who benefits:
Students with disabilities and their teachers gain clear, written procedures that keep them safe during drills. Administrators and first responders benefit from better communication and fewer gaps when implementing emergency plans.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Districts face added administrative duties and training costs without new funding. Small campuses may struggle to coordinate individualized plans during frequent drills.

Why this matters long term:
The bill prevents students from being left behind or placed in unsafe situations during emergencies. Over time it should create a culture where safety planning automatically includes disability access rather than treating it as an afterthought.

What to watch next:
The Commissioner of Education must issue rules and guidelines by mid-2026. Districts must update IEP and 504 processes before the 2026–27 school year and train staff to follow the new requirements.

Bottom line:
SB 57 strengthens safety and equity for students with disabilities by requiring drill accommodations and clear communication across districts and campuses.

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