Action Alert: SB 1952 Hearing Today

Make Your Voice Heard

This morning, the Texas House Human Services Committee is holding a hearing on Senate Bill 1952, a proposal that would give the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) exclusive authority over the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program—removing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) from the rulemaking process.

Why This Matters

SHARS is a vital Medicaid program that enables Texas school districts to receive reimbursement for providing medically necessary services to students with disabilities. In recent years, HHSC has enacted significant policy changes—sometimes without stakeholder input or CMS approval—leading to:

• Increased administrative burden

• Reduced reimbursements

• Widespread confusion among districts

SB 1952 would further centralize control under a single agency, eliminating guaranteed involvement from education experts, school practitioners, or legislative oversight.

What SB 1952 Needs – Or Why It Should Be Opposed

If SB 1952 moves forward, it must be amended to include:

• Shared rulemaking authority with the Texas Education Agency (TEA)

• Mandatory CMS review and approval before major policy changes

• Stakeholder advisory council with school district representation

• Legislative oversight and public transparency

• Annual third-party evaluations of SHARS implementation

• Fiscal impact analyses before any policy change is adopted

These protections are critical to ensure SHARS remains:

• Educationally sound

• Fiscally responsible

• Compliant with federal Medicaid requirements

How You Can Take Action

We urge all school leaders, SHARS coordinators, and education advocates to act now.

Submit your concerns or formal opposition today:
Submit Comments on SB 1952
(Click “Comments” under SB 1952 to enter your statement.)

Let’s work together to protect the integrity and sustainability of SHARS for Texas schools and students.