H.B. No. 2         AN ACT   relating to public education and public school finance.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:   ARTICLE 1.  TEACHER COMPENSATION          SECTION 1.01.  Section 21.3521, Education Code, is amended   by amending Subsections (a), (c), and (e) and adding Subsections   (c-1), (d-1), (d-2), and (d-3) to read as follows:          (a)  Subject to Subsection (b), a school district or   open-enrollment charter school may designate a classroom teacher as   a master, exemplary, [or] recognized, or acknowledged teacher for a   five-year period based on the results from single year or multiyear   appraisals that comply with Section 21.351 or 21.352.          (c)  Notwithstanding performance standards established   under Subsection (b) and subject to authorization under Section   21.3523, a classroom teacher that holds a National Board   Certification issued by the National Board for Professional   Teaching Standards may be designated as nationally board certified   [recognized].          (c-1)  A classroom teacher's designation under Subsection   (c) is valid for a five-year period, regardless of whether the State   Board for Educator Certification subsequently revokes   authorization for a nationally board certified teacher designation   under Section 21.3523.          (d-1)  Each school year, the commissioner shall, using   criteria developed by the commissioner, designate as enhanced   teacher incentive allotment systems school districts and   open-enrollment charter schools that implement comprehensive   school evaluation and support systems. The criteria developed by   the commissioner must require a district or school to:                (1)  for principals and assistant principals,   implement:                      (A)  a strategic evaluations system aligned with   the district's or school's teacher designation system; and                      (B)  a compensation system based on performance;                (2)  ensure that under the district's or school's   teacher designation system substantially all classroom teachers,   regardless of the grade level or subject area to which the teacher   is assigned, are eligible to earn a designation under Subsection   (a);                (3)  implement for all classroom teachers a   compensation plan based on performance that:                      (A)  uses a salary schedule that differentiates   among classroom teachers based on staff appraisals; and                      (B)  does not include across-the-board salary   increases for classroom teachers except for periodic changes to the   district's or school's salary schedule to adjust for significant   inflation; and                (4)  implement a locally designed plan to place highly   effective teachers at high needs campuses and in accordance with   Section 28.0062(a)(3).          (d-2)  The commissioner may designate a school district or   open-enrollment charter school as an enhanced teacher incentive   allotment system under Subsection (d-1) only if the district or   school has implemented a local optional teacher designation system   under this section.          (d-3)  The commissioner may remove a school district's or   open-enrollment charter school's designation under Subsection   (d-1) if the commissioner determines the district or school no   longer meets the criteria for the designation.          (e)  The agency shall develop and provide technical   assistance for school districts and open-enrollment charter   schools that request assistance in implementing a local optional   teacher designation system, including:                (1)  providing assistance in prioritizing high needs   campuses;                (2)  providing examples or models of local optional   teacher designation systems to reduce the time required for a   district or school to implement a teacher designation system;                (3)  providing examples or models of local optional   teacher designation systems that implement a teacher designation   system for teachers of special populations, including special   education and bilingual education;                (4)  establishing partnerships between districts and   schools that request assistance and districts and schools that have   implemented a teacher designation system;                (5)  applying the performance and validity standards   established by the commissioner under Subsection (b);                (6)  providing centralized support for the analysis of   the results of assessment instruments administered to district   students; and                (7)  facilitating effective communication on and   promotion of local optional teacher designation systems.          SECTION 1.02.  Subchapter H, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 21.3522 and 21.3523 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.3522.  LOCAL OPTIONAL TEACHER DESIGNATION SYSTEM   GRANT PROGRAM.  (a)  From funds appropriated or otherwise   available for the purpose, the agency shall establish and   administer a grant program to provide money and technical   assistance to:                (1)  expand implementation of local optional teacher   designation systems under Section 21.3521; and                (2)  increase the number of classroom teachers eligible   for a designation under that section.          (b)  A grant awarded under this section must:                (1)  meet the needs of individual school districts; and                (2)  enable regional leadership capacity.          (c)  The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to   implement this section.          Sec. 21.3523.  REVIEW AND AUTHORIZATION OF NATIONALLY BOARD   CERTIFIED TEACHER DESIGNATION. (a) The State Board for Educator   Certification may periodically review National Board   Certifications issued by the National Board for Professional   Teaching Standards to determine whether to reauthorize or revoke   authorization for the nationally board certified teacher   designation under Section 21.3521(c).  If the board revokes   authorization, the board may at any time conduct a review under this   subsection to determine whether to reauthorize the nationally board   certified teacher designation.          (b)  A review under Subsection (a) must evaluate whether the   components and assessments required for a National Board   Certification align and comply with state law, including whether:                (1)  earning a National Board Certification would   interfere with the certificate holder's ability to provide:                      (A)  instruction in the essential knowledge and   skills without using common core state standards, as defined by   Section 28.002;                      (B)  phonics instruction in accordance with   Section 28.0062 and without using three-cueing, as prohibited by   Subsection (a-1) of that section; or                      (C)  instruction in accordance with:                            (i)  the instructional requirements and   prohibitions under Section 28.0022; or                            (ii)  any other applicable state law; and                (2)  the components and assessments align with the   criteria adopted by the State Board of Education under Section   31.022 for the approval of instructional materials.          (c)  Not later than December 31, 2026, the State Board for   Educator Certification shall conduct an initial review under   Subsection (a) of National Board Certifications issued by the   National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and reauthorize   or revoke the nationally board certified teacher designation under   Section 21.3521(c).  If the board fails to reauthorize the   designation by that date, the authorization for the designation is   revoked.  This subsection expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 1.03.  Subchapter I, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 21.417 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.417.  RESOURCES, INCLUDING LIABILITY INSURANCE, FOR   CLASSROOM TEACHERS. (a)  From funds appropriated or otherwise   available for the purpose, the agency shall contract with a third   party to provide the following services for a classroom teacher   employed under a probationary, continuing, or term contract:                (1)  assistance in understanding the teacher's rights,   duties, and benefits; and                (2)  liability insurance to protect a teacher against   liability to a third party based on conduct that the teacher   allegedly engaged in during the course of the teacher's duties.          (b)  A school district may not interfere with a classroom   teacher's access to services provided under this section.          (c)  A contract entered into by the agency to provide   services under Subsection (a) must prohibit the entity with which   the agency contracts from using funds received under the contract   to engage in:                (1)  conduct that a state agency using appropriated   money is prohibited from engaging in under Chapter 556, Government   Code; and                (2)  political activities or advocate for issues   regarding public schools, including for boards of trustees of   school districts or school districts.          (d)  This section may not be interpreted to interfere with a   classroom teacher's or other school district employee's exercise of   a right protected by the First Amendment to the United States   Constitution.          SECTION 1.04.  The heading to Section 22.001, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 22.001.  SALARY DEDUCTIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL OR OTHER   DUES.          SECTION 1.05.  Sections 22.001(a) and (b), Education Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  A school district employee is entitled to have an amount   deducted from the employee's salary for membership fees or dues to a   professional organization or an entity providing services to   classroom teachers under Section 21.417. The employee must:                (1)  file with the district a signed written request   identifying the organization or entity [and specifying the number   of pay periods per year the deductions are to be made]; and                (2)  inform the district of the total amount of the fees   and dues for each year or have the organization or entity notify the   district of the amount.          (b)  The district shall deduct the total amount of the fees   or dues for a year in equal amounts per pay period [for the number of   periods specified by the employee]. The district shall notify the   employee not later than the 45th day after the district receives a   request under Subsection (a) of the number of pay periods annually   from which the district will deduct the fees or dues. The   deductions shall be made until the employee requests in writing   that the deductions be discontinued.          SECTION 1.06.  Section 48.112, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (c), (d), and (i) and adding Subsection (g-1)   to read as follows:          (c)  For each classroom teacher with a teacher designation   under Section 21.3521 employed by a school district, the school   district is entitled to an allotment equal to the following   applicable base amount increased by the high needs and rural factor   as determined under Subsection (d):                (1)  $12,000, or an increased amount not to exceed   $36,000 [$32,000] as determined under Subsection (d), for each   master teacher;                (2)  $9,000 [$6,000], or an increased amount not to   exceed $25,000 [$18,000] as determined under Subsection (d), for   each exemplary teacher; [and]                (3)  $5,000 [$3,000], or an increased amount not to   exceed $15,000 [$9,000] as determined under Subsection (d), for   each recognized teacher; and                (4)  $3,000, or an increased amount not to exceed   $9,000 as determined under Subsection (d), for each:                      (A)  acknowledged teacher; or                      (B)  nationally board certified teacher.          (d)  The high needs and rural factor is determined by   multiplying the following applicable amounts by the average of the   point value assigned to each student at a district campus under   Subsection (e):                (1)  $6,000 [$5,000] for each master teacher;                (2)  $4,000 [$3,000] for each exemplary teacher; [and]                (3)  $2,500 [$1,500] for each recognized teacher; and                (4)  $1,500 for each:                      (A)  acknowledged teacher; or                      (B)  nationally board certified teacher.          (g-1)  For a district that is designated as an enhanced   teacher incentive allotment system under Section 21.3521(d-1), the   commissioner shall increase the amount to which the district is   entitled under this section by multiplying that amount by 1.1.          (i)  A district shall annually certify that:                (1)  funds received under this section were used as   follows:                      (A)  at least 90 percent of each allotment   received under Subsection (c) was used for the compensation of   teachers employed at the campus at which the teacher for whom the   district received the allotment is employed; [and]                      (B)  for a district whose allotment was increased   under Subsection (g-1), the amount by which the allotment was   increased under that subsection was used to meet the criteria to   maintain a designation as an enhanced teacher incentive allotment   system under Section 21.3521(d-1); and                      (C)  any other funds received under this section   were used for costs associated with implementing Section 21.3521,   including efforts to support teachers in obtaining designations;   and                (2)  the district prioritized high needs campuses in   the district in using funds received under this section.          SECTION 1.07.  Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 48.158 and 48.1581 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.158.  TEACHER RETENTION ALLOTMENT.  (a)  In this   section, "classroom teacher" has the meaning assigned by Section   5.001, except that the term also includes:                (1)  a person who is not required to hold a certificate   issued under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, who otherwise meets the   definition of a classroom teacher under Section 5.001; and                (2)  a person, including a person described by   Subdivision (1), employed by an entity with which a school district   has entered into a contract who otherwise meets the definition of a   classroom teacher under Section 5.001.          (b)  A school district is entitled to an annual allotment for   each classroom teacher who is employed by or contracts with the   district for which the allotment is provided as follows:                (1)  if the district has 5,000 or fewer students   enrolled for the school year:                      (A)  $4,000 for each classroom teacher who has at   least three but less than five years of teaching experience; and                      (B)  $8,000 for each classroom teacher who has   five or more years of teaching experience; and                (2)  if the district has more than 5,000 students   enrolled for the school year:                      (A)  $2,500 for each classroom teacher who has at   least three but less than five years of teaching experience; and                      (B)  $5,000 for each classroom teacher who has   five or more years of teaching experience.          (b-1)  Instead of the allotment under Subsection (b)(2), a   school district described by that subdivision is entitled to   funding under Subsection (b)(1) if the school district received an   allotment under Subsection (b)(1) in a previous school year.          (c)  For the 2025-2026 school year, a school district shall   use money received under Subsection (b) to:                (1)  increase the salary provided to each classroom   teacher for which the district is entitled to funding under   Subsection (b) for that year over the salary the teacher received or   would have received if the teacher was employed by or contracted   with the district in the 2024-2025 school year by at least the   amount received per classroom teacher under Subsection (b); or                (2)  if the school district is applying to be   designated as an enhanced teacher incentive allotment system,   increase the salaries of classroom teachers for that year based on   performance.          (d)  Except as provided by Subsection (e), for the 2026-2027   and each subsequent school year, a school district shall use money   received under Subsection (b) to maintain the salary increases for   classroom teachers provided under Subsection (c).  Any additional   funding generated for a school district under this section may only   be used for the compensation of classroom teachers who are employed   by or contract with the district and who have three or more years of   experience.          (e)  A school district that has been designated as an   enhanced teacher incentive allotment system for the applicable   school year may use money received under Subsection (b) to provide   salaries to classroom teachers in accordance with the district's   compensation plan.          (f)  A school district that increases classroom teacher   compensation in the 2025-2026 school year to comply with Subsection   (c), as added by H.B. 2, 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, is   providing compensation for services rendered independently of an   existing employment contract applicable to that school year and is   not in violation of Section 53, Article III, Texas Constitution.   This subsection expires September 1, 2027.          Sec. 48.1581.  SUPPORT STAFF RETENTION ALLOTMENT. (a)  In   this section, "non-administrative staff":                (1)  includes a full-time or part-time employee who is   not eligible for a salary increase under Section 48.158, including:                      (A)  a teacher not eligible for a salary increase   under Section 48.158;                      (B)  a school counselor;                      (C)  a librarian;                      (D)  a school nurse;                      (E)  a teacher's assistant;                      (F)  a member of the custodial staff;                      (G)  a member of the food services staff;                      (H)  a bus driver;                       (I)  an administrative assistant; and                      (J)  other support staff; and                (2)  does not include:                      (A)  a superintendent of a school district or   other administrator serving as educational leader and chief   executive officer;                      (B)  an assistant superintendent or a person in an   equivalent role;                      (C)  a principal or assistant principal; and                      (D)  an employee in a centralized supervisory   role.          (b)  For purposes of this section, a school district's   adjusted average attendance is the quotient of:                (1)  the sum of the district's allotments under   Subchapter B and, if applicable, the allotment under Section 48.101   for the applicable school year; and                (2)  the basic allotment for the applicable school   year.          (b-1)  In determining adjusted average daily attendance   under this section, the agency shall exclude students who do not   reside in the district and are enrolled in a full-time virtual   program.          (c)  A school district is entitled to an annual allotment of   $45 for each student in adjusted average attendance.          (d)  For the 2025-2026 school year, a school district shall   use money received under Subsection (c) to increase the salaries   provided to non-administrative staff.          (e)  For the 2026-2027 and each subsequent school year, a   school district shall use money received under Subsection (c) to   maintain the salary increases provided under Subsection (d). Any   additional money the district receives under this section may only   be used for the compensation of non-administrative staff.          (f)  A school district that increases non-administrative   staff compensation in the 2025-2026 school year to comply with   Subsection (d), as added by H.B. 2, Acts of the 89th Legislature,   Regular Session, 2025, is providing compensation for services   rendered independently of an existing employment contract   applicable to that school year and is not in violation of Section   53, Article III, Texas Constitution. This subsection expires   September 1, 2027.          SECTION 1.08.  Section 48.257, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:          (b-1)  If for any school year a school district receives an   adjustment under Subsection (b) and, after that adjustment, is no   longer subject to Subsection (a), the district is entitled to   additional state aid for that school year in an amount equal to the   lesser of:                (1)  the difference, if the difference is greater than   zero, between:                      (A)  the amount to which the district is entitled   under Subchapters B, C, and D less the district's distribution from   the available school fund for that school year; and                      (B)  the district's tier one maintenance and   operations tax collections for that school year; or                (2)  the district's allotment under Section 48.158 for   that school year.          SECTION 1.09.  Section 822.201(b), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  "Salary and wages" as used in Subsection (a) means:                (1)  normal periodic payments of money for service the   right to which accrues on a regular basis in proportion to the   service performed;                (2)  amounts by which the member's salary is reduced   under a salary reduction agreement authorized by Chapter 610;                (3)  amounts that would otherwise qualify as salary and   wages under Subdivision (1) but are not received directly by the   member pursuant to a good faith, voluntary written salary reduction   agreement in order to finance payments to a deferred compensation   or tax sheltered annuity program specifically authorized by state   law or to finance benefit options under a cafeteria plan qualifying   under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, if:                      (A)  the program or benefit options are made   available to all employees of the employer; and                      (B)  the benefit options in the cafeteria plan are   limited to one or more options that provide deferred compensation,   group health and disability insurance, group term life insurance,   dependent care assistance programs, or group legal services plans;                (4)  performance pay awarded to an employee by a school   district as part of a total compensation plan approved by the board   of trustees of the district and meeting the requirements of   Subsection (e);                (5)  the benefit replacement pay a person earns under   Subchapter H, Chapter 659, except as provided by Subsection (c);                (6)  stipends paid to teachers in accordance with   former Section 21.410, 21.411, 21.412, or 21.413, Education Code;                (7)  amounts by which the member's salary is reduced or   that are deducted from the member's salary as authorized by   Subchapter J, Chapter 659;                (8)  a merit salary increase made under Section 51.962,   Education Code;                (9)  amounts received under the relevant parts of the   educator excellence awards program under Subchapter O, Chapter 21,   Education Code, or a mentoring program under Section 21.458,   Education Code, that authorize compensation for service;                (10)  salary amounts designated as health care   supplementation by an employee under Subchapter D, Chapter 22,   Education Code;                (11)  to the extent required by Sections 3401(h) and   414(u)(12), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, differential wage   payments received by an individual from an employer on or after   January 1, 2009, while the individual is performing qualified   military service as defined by Section 414(u), Internal Revenue   Code of 1986; and                (12)  increased compensation paid to an employee [a   teacher] by an employer [a school district] using funds received by   the employer [district] under:                      (A)  the teacher incentive allotment under   Section 48.112, Education Code;                      (B)  the teacher retention allotment under   Section 48.158, Education Code; or                      (C)  the support staff retention allotment under   Section 48.1581, Education Code.          SECTION 1.10.  Sections 48.051(c), (c-1), (c-2), and (d),   Education Code, are repealed.          SECTION 1.11.  Not later than September 1, 2026, a school   district or open-enrollment charter school shall redesignate a   teacher who holds a recognized teacher designation under Section   21.3521(c), Education Code, on the basis of the teacher's national   board certification, before the effective date of this article, to   reflect the teacher's nationally board certified designation under   Section 21.3521(c), Education Code, as amended by this article.  A   redesignation under this section is effective beginning September   1, 2026.          SECTION 1.12.  (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b) and   (c) of this section, this article takes effect immediately if this   Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each   house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.   If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate   effect, this article takes effect September 1, 2025.          (b)  Sections 48.158, 48.1581, and 48.257(b-1), Education   Code, as added by this article, and Section 822.201(b), Government   Code, as amended by this article, take effect September 1, 2025.          (c)  Sections 48.112(c) and (d), Education Code, as amended   by this article, take effect September 1, 2026.   ARTICLE 2. EDUCATOR PREPARATION AND TEACHER RIGHTS          SECTION 2.01.  Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  A local innovation plan may not provide for the   exemption of a district designated as a district of innovation from   the following provisions of this title:                (1)  a state or federal requirement applicable to an   open-enrollment charter school operating under Subchapter D,   Chapter 12;                (2)  Subchapters A, C, D, and E, Chapter 11, except that   a district may be exempt from Sections 11.1511(b)(5) and (14) and   Section 11.162;                (3)  the employment of uncertified classroom teachers   under Section 21.0032;                (4)  parental notification requirements under Section   21.057;                (5)  state curriculum and graduation requirements   adopted under Chapter 28; and                (6) [(4)]  academic and financial accountability and   sanctions under Chapters 39 and 39A.          SECTION 2.02.  Section 19.007(g), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (g)  In addition to other amounts received by the district   under this section, the district is entitled to:                (1)  state aid in the amount necessary to fund the   salary increases required by Section 19.009(d-2); and                (2)  the preparing and retaining educators through   partnership program allotment under Section 48.157.          SECTION 2.03.  Section 21.001, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subdivision (3-b) to read as follows:                (3-b)  "Teacher of record" means a person employed by a   school district who teaches the majority of the instructional day   in an academic instructional setting and is responsible for   evaluating student achievement and assigning grades.          SECTION 2.04.  Subchapter A, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 21.0032 and 21.0033 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.0032.  EMPLOYMENT OF UNCERTIFIED CLASSROOM   TEACHERS. (a)  A school district may not employ as a teacher of   record for a course in the foundation curriculum under Section   28.002 a person who does not hold an appropriate certificate or   permit required by the State Board for Educator Certification under   Subchapter B.          (a-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), on the receipt and   approval of a plan submitted by a school district to the   commissioner that provides a reasonable timeline and strategy to   comply with that subsection before the beginning of the 2029-2030   school year, the commissioner may allow the district to delay   implementation of the requirement of that subsection. This   subsection expires September 1, 2030.          (a-2)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a) and Section 12A.004, a   school district that has adopted a local innovation plan under   Chapter 12A for the 2026-2027 school year that exempts the district   from the applicable teacher certification requirements under   Section 21.003 may employ as a teacher of record for a course other   than a reading language arts or mathematics course in a grade level   above grade five a person who does not hold an appropriate   certificate or permit required by the State Board for Educator   Certification under Subchapter B.  This subsection expires   September 1, 2027.          (b)  This section does not preclude a school district from:                (1)  receiving a waiver under Section 7.056; or                (2)  issuing a school district teaching permit under   Section 21.055.          Sec. 21.0033.  TEACHER CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE.  (a)  From   money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the   agency shall provide to each school district a one-time payment of   $1,000 for each classroom teacher employed by the district who:                (1)  was hired for the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 school   year as a first-year teacher;                (2)  was uncertified on January 1, 2025;                (3)  earned a standard certificate under Subchapter B   by the end of the 2026-2027 school year; and                (4)  was continuously employed by the district since   the school year described by Subdivision (1).          (b)  This section expires September 1, 2028.          SECTION 2.05.  Section 21.041, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:          (e)  A rule proposed by the board under this section relating   to educator preparation is not subject to Section 2001.0045,   Government Code.          SECTION 2.06.  Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 21.0412 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.0412.  TYPES OF TEACHING CERTIFICATES. (a) In   proposing rules specifying the types of teaching certificates to be   issued under this subchapter, the board shall provide for a   candidate to be issued:                (1)  a standard certificate if the candidate satisfies:                      (A)  all traditional teacher preparation   requirements under Section 21.04421; or                      (B)  the applicable alternative teacher   preparation requirements under Section 21.04423;                (2)  an enhanced standard certificate if the candidate   satisfies all requirements of the teacher residency preparation   route established under Section 21.04422;                (3)  an intern with preservice experience certificate,   which expires one year after issuance unless modified by the board,   if the candidate has yet to satisfy all requirements for   certification for a preservice alternative teacher preparation   route established under Section 21.04423(1) but has completed a   sufficient number of preservice practice hours to serve as a   teacher of record; and                (4)  an intern certificate, which expires two years   after issuance unless modified by the board, if the candidate has   yet to satisfy all requirements for certification for an   alternative teacher preparation route established under Section   21.04423(2) but has met all board requirements to serve as a teacher   of record.          (b)  Rules proposed under Subsection (a)(2) may not require a   candidate to pass a pedagogy examination unless the examination   tests subject-specific content appropriate for the grade level and   subject area for which the candidate seeks certification.          (c)  A candidate for a certification described by Subsection   (a) must meet all other requirements imposed under this subchapter   or board rule applicable to the candidate's certification.          (d)  This section does not prohibit the board from proposing   rules that provide for certifications other than the certifications   described by Subsection (a), including specialized certifications   and other types and classes of certifications.          SECTION 2.07.  Section 21.044, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsections (i) and (j) to read as follows:          (i)  An educator preparation program participating in a   Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Preservice   Program under Subchapter R shall:                (1)  incorporate the applicable instructional   materials and training developed under Section 21.067, as   determined by the board;                (2)  if applicable for the grade and subject area for   which a teacher candidate enrolled in the educator preparation   program is seeking certification, incorporate the literacy   achievement academies and mathematics achievement academies   established under Sections 21.4552 and 21.4553; and                (3)  ensure that instruction and training described by   Subdivisions (1) and (2) are delivered by a person with appropriate   training who has successfully completed a certification related to   that training offered by the agency.          (j)  For purposes of Subsection (i)(2), the board by rule   shall designate the components of a literacy achievement academy or   mathematics achievement academy under Section 21.4552 or 21.4553,   as applicable, that may be completed after receiving an intern with   preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412.          SECTION 2.08.  Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423 to read   as follows:          Sec. 21.04421.  TRADITIONAL TEACHER PREPARATION. (a)  In   proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training   requirements for a candidate seeking certification through a   traditional teacher preparation route in which a candidate may   concurrently receive an undergraduate or master's degree and a   certification to teach a subject area at a particular grade level,   the board shall require the candidate to complete substantial   preservice practice in a prekindergarten through grade 12   classroom.          (b)  The rules proposed under Subsection (a) must require   training to be provided synchronously.  The board may approve   components of the training to be delivered asynchronously on   application by an educator preparation program.          Sec. 21.04422.  TEACHER RESIDENCY PREPARATION. (a)  The   board shall propose rules under this subchapter to create a teacher   residency preparation route.          (b)  In proposing rules for a teacher residency preparation   route under this section, the board must require that the program:                (1)  use research-based best practices for recruiting   and admitting candidates into the program;                (2)  integrate course work, classroom practice, formal   observation, and feedback;                (3)  require a candidate to receive preservice practice   in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom for at least one   full school year;                (4)  use multiple assessments to measure a candidate's   progress; and                (5)  provide training synchronously, unless the   educator preparation program applies to and receives approval from   the board for an exception allowing the program to provide training   asynchronously.          Sec. 21.04423.  ALTERNATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION. In   proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training   requirements for a candidate who has previously earned a degree and   is seeking certification through an alternative teacher   preparation route, the board shall establish:                (1)  a preservice alternative teacher preparation   route that:                      (A)  requires the candidate to complete   substantial preservice practice in a prekindergarten through grade   12 classroom, which may include time spent serving as a   paraprofessional; and                      (B)  provides training synchronously, unless the   educator preparation program applies to and receives approval from   the board for an exception allowing the program to provide training   asynchronously; and                (2)  an alternative teacher preparation route that   allows for flexibility in how a candidate may demonstrate   proficiency for certification.          SECTION 2.09.  Section 21.0443, Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 21.0443.  EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPROVAL AND   RENEWAL. (a) The board shall propose rules to establish standards   to govern the approval or renewal of approval of:                (1)  educator preparation programs; [and]                (2)  the teacher preparation routes established under   Sections 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423; and                (3)  certification fields authorized to be offered by   an educator preparation program.          (a-1)  The board may review an educator preparation   program's curriculum:                (1)  before the approval or renewal of approval of the   program; and                (2)  at any time after the approval or renewal of the   approval of the program to ensure the program remains eligible for   approval by demonstrating that any changes to curriculum   requirements proposed by the board since the most recent review   have been incorporated into the curriculum.          (b)  To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an   educator preparation program must:                (1)  incorporate proactive instructional planning   techniques throughout coursework [course work] and across content   areas using a framework that:                      (A)  provides flexibility in the ways:                            (i)  information is presented;                            (ii)  students respond or demonstrate   knowledge and skills; and                            (iii)  students are engaged;                      (B)  reduces barriers in instruction;                      (C)  provides appropriate accommodations,   supports, and challenges; and                      (D)  maintains high achievement expectations for   all students, including students with disabilities and students of   limited English proficiency;                (2)  integrate inclusive practices for all students,   including students with disabilities, and evidence-based   instruction and intervention strategies throughout coursework    [course work], clinical experience, and student teaching;                (3)  ensure that the program complies in the same   manner as if the program were a school district with:                      (A)  the prohibitions and requirements under   Sections 28.0022(a)(1)-(4) regarding program instructional   personnel and coursework;                      (B)  the prohibitions under Section 28.0022(c)   regarding the acceptance of private funds; and                      (C)  the prohibitions under Section 28.0022(d)   regarding the punishment of students;                (4)  if applicable, meet the requirements of Section   21.044(i);                (5)  adequately prepare candidates for educator   certification; and                (6) [(4)]  meet the standards and requirements of the   board.          (b-1)  Nothing in Subsection (b)(3) may be construed as   limiting instruction in the essential knowledge and skills adopted   under Subchapter A, Chapter 28.          (b-2)  Subsection (b)(3) applies only to coursework offered   by an educator preparation program for purposes of preparing a   candidate to meet educator preparation and certification   requirements. Subsection (b)(3) does not apply to other coursework   offered by an entity providing an educator preparation program that   is not included in the educator preparation program's requirements.          (c)  The board shall require that each educator preparation   program be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five   years.  The board may require each educator preparation program to   be reviewed for renewal of approval at least annually. The board   shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an   educator preparation program for renewal of approval.          (d)  In adopting the evaluation process under Subsection   (c), the board shall consider including:                (1)  quality indicators that reflect effective program   practices; and                (2)  measures that provide for the observation of   program practices to ensure program quality.          SECTION 2.10.  Section 21.049, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 21.049.  ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS    [CERTIFICATION].  (a)  To provide a continuing additional source of   qualified educators, the board shall propose rules providing that   [for] educator certification programs may be provided by an   institution of higher education or another entity [as an   alternative to traditional educator preparation programs].  The   rules may not provide that a person may be certified under this   section only if there is a demonstrated shortage of educators in a   school district or subject area.          (b)  The board may not require a person employed as a teacher   in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 or a   juvenile justice alternative education program under Section   37.011 for at least three years to complete an alternative educator   preparation [certification] program adopted under this section   before taking the appropriate certification examination.          SECTION 2.11.  Sections 21.055(a), (b), and (c), Education   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  As provided by this section, a school district may issue   a school district teaching permit and employ as a teacher of record   a person who does not hold a teaching certificate issued by the   board on approval by the district's board of trustees.          (b)  To be eligible for a school district teaching permit   under this section, a person must:                (1)  hold a baccalaureate degree; or                (2)  have served at or been employed by the district as   a paraprofessional for not less than 180 days during the preceding   calendar year and be:                      (A)  currently enrolled in a postsecondary   program that could lead to a baccalaureate degree; and                      (B)  on track to earn a baccalaureate degree and   receive a probationary certificate not later than the third   anniversary of the date the person receives a school district   teaching permit under this section.          (c)  Promptly after employing a person described by   Subsection (b)(1) under this section, a school district shall send   to the commissioner a written statement identifying the person, the   person's qualifications as a teacher, and the subject or class the   person will teach.  The person may teach the subject or class   pending action by the commissioner.          SECTION 2.12.  Section 21.057, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:          (f)  If the agency has developed a model notice for purposes   of this section, the superintendent must use that model to provide   the notice required under this section.          SECTION 2.13.  Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 21.067 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.067.  EDUCATOR PREPARATION MATERIALS AND TRAINING.   (a)  The commissioner shall develop and make available:                (1)  instructional materials for use in educator   preparation programs under this subchapter; and                (2)  training for faculty responsible for preparing   educator candidates.          (b)  The materials and training developed under Subsection   (a) must:                (1)  be research-based;                (2)  support the development of proficiency in the   knowledge and skills specified by rules proposed under Section   21.044(a)(1); and                (3)  allow for an educator candidate to demonstrate the   candidate's proficiency, including proficiency in the knowledge   and skills described by Subdivision (2).          SECTION 2.14.  Section 21.402, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsections (f-1), (f-2), (f-3), and (f-4) to read as   follows:          (f-1)  A school district must pay to a classroom teacher with   zero years of experience who holds a certificate under Section   21.0412(a)(1), (2), or (3) a minimum salary that is greater than the   minimum salary paid to a classroom teacher with zero years of   experience who does not hold a certificate under Section   21.0412(a)(1), (2), or (3).          (f-2)  The board of trustees of a school district may adopt   minimum salaries to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (f-1) as   follows:                (1)  for a classroom teacher who holds a standard   certificate or intern with preservice experience certificate under   Section 21.0412(a)(1) or (3), $3,000; and                (2)  for a classroom teacher who holds an enhanced   standard certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(2), $6,000.          (f-3)  Subsection (f-1) does not apply to a stipend or other   form of compensation not included in a classroom teacher's minimum   salary under this section.          (f-4)  A school district may not adopt a salary schedule that   differentiates classroom teacher salaries based solely on a   teacher's certification pathway for teachers who have five or more   years of teaching experience.          SECTION 2.15.  Section 21.4552(f), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (f)  From money appropriated or otherwise available for the   purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108, a school   district shall provide to an educator preparation program for each   teacher enrolled in the educator preparation program who holds an   intern with preservice experience certificate under Section   21.0412(a)(3) and completes a literacy achievement academy under   this section while employed by the district a one-time payment of   $1,000 or another amount set by the agency [This section expires   September 1, 2027].          SECTION 2.16.  Section 21.4553(f), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (f)  From money appropriated or otherwise available for the   purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108, a school   district shall provide to an educator preparation program for each   teacher enrolled in the educator preparation program who holds an   intern with preservice experience certificate under Section   21.0412(a)(3) and completes a mathematics achievement academy   under this section while employed by the district a one-time   payment of $500 or another amount set by the agency [This section   expires September 1, 2027].          SECTION 2.17.  Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter R to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER R. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS          Sec. 21.901.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "Alternative partnership preservice program"    means the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership   Alternative Preservice Program established under Section 21.905.                (2)  "Board" means the State Board for Educator   Certification.                (3)  "Cooperating teacher" means a classroom teacher   who:                      (A)  has at least three full school years of   teaching experience with a superior record of assisting students in   achieving improvement in student performance;                      (B)  is employed as a teacher of record by a school   district or open-enrollment charter school participating in a   partnership preservice program or grow your own partnership program   under this subchapter and paired with one or more teacher   candidates, students, or employees who are participating in a   program under this subchapter; and                      (C)  provides coaching in the teacher's classroom   to one or more teacher candidates, students, or employees   participating in a program under this subchapter.                (4)  "Grow your own partnership program" means the   Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Grow Your Own   Partnership Program established under Section 21.906.                (5)  "Mentor teacher" means a mentor teacher as   described by Section 21.458.                (6)  "Partnership preservice program" means a   Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Preservice   Program established under Section 21.902.                (7)  "Residency partnership preservice program" means   the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership   Residency Preservice Program established under Section 21.904.                (8)  "Teacher candidate" means a person enrolled in an   educator preparation program participating in a partnership   preservice program.                (9)  "Traditional partnership preservice program"   means the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership   Traditional Preservice Program established under Section 21.903.          Sec. 21.902. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP PRESERVICE PROGRAMS. (a) The commissioner shall   establish Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership   Preservice Programs to enable qualified educator preparation   programs, as determined by the commissioner, to form partnerships   with school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to   provide preservice practice opportunities in a prekindergarten   through grade 12 classroom for teacher candidates at the district   or school through the traditional partnership preservice program,   the residency partnership preservice program, or the alternative   partnership preservice program.          (b)  A partnership preservice program must be designed to:                (1)  allow teacher candidates to receive field-based   experience working with cooperating teachers in prekindergarten   through grade 12 classrooms; and                (2)  gradually increase the amount of time a teacher   candidate spends engaging in instructional responsibilities,   including observation, co-teaching, and lead-teaching   responsibilities.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in a partnership preservice program shall:                (1)  enter into a written agreement with an approved   educator preparation program to:                      (A)  provide a teacher candidate with clinical   teaching opportunities at the district or school in the subject   area and grade level for which the candidate seeks certification;   and                      (B)  pair the teacher candidate with a cooperating   teacher who has successfully completed a training program for   cooperating teachers that, if required by the agency, must be   established or adopted by the agency;                (2)  use money received under Section 48.157 only to   implement the partnership preservice program;                (3)  ensure that a teacher candidate is mentored by a   mentor teacher who has completed mentorship training under Section   21.907 for the candidate's first two years as a teacher of record   after completing a partnership preservice program; and                (4)  provide any information required by the agency   regarding the district's or school's implementation of a   partnership preservice program.          (d)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   only pair a teacher candidate with a cooperating teacher who agrees   to participate in that role in a partnership preservice program at   the district or school.          (e)  A teacher candidate participating in a partnership   preservice program may not serve:                (1)  as a teacher of record; or                (2)  except as provided by Subsection (f), in a   position in which the student or employee has the primary or sole   responsibility of providing instruction or supervision to   students.          (f)  A teacher candidate participating in a partnership   preservice program may serve in a position described by Subsection   (e)(2) for the limited purpose of gaining experience in the   position.  The teacher candidate's amount of time serving in that   position may not exceed the amount of time during which the teacher   of record for the students has the primary or sole responsibility of   providing instruction or supervision to those students.          (g)  To be qualified to participate in a partnership   preservice program, an educator preparation program must meet the   requirements under Section 21.044(i).          Sec. 21.903.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP TRADITIONAL PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a)  The commissioner   shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through   Partnership Traditional Preservice Program as a partnership   preservice program to enable qualified educator preparation   programs, as determined by the commissioner, that meet the   traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section   21.04421 to form partnerships with school districts or   open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for a   standard certificate.          (b)  The program must be designed to:                (1)  meet the requirements of a partnership preservice   program under Section 21.902; and                (2)  allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the   traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section   21.04421.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the traditional partnership preservice program   shall use money received under Section 48.157(b)(1) to provide   compensation to:                (1)   teacher candidates for preservice practice hours   at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for   salary; and                (2)  cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher   candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least   $1,000.          (d)  In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),   a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall provide   compensation to teacher candidates in any amount above the amount   provided by that subdivision for salary using money received under   Section 48.157 or from any other available source.          Sec. 21.904.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP RESIDENCY PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner   shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through   Partnership Residency Preservice Program as a partnership   preservice program to enable qualified educator preparation   programs, as determined by the commissioner, that meet the teacher   residency preparation requirements under Section 21.04422 to form   partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter   schools to help prepare candidates for an enhanced standard   certificate.          (b)  The program must be designed to:                (1)  meet the requirements of a partnership preservice   program under Section 21.902; and                (2)  allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the teacher   residency preparation requirements under Section 21.04422.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the residency partnership preservice program   shall use money received under Section 48.157(b)(2) to provide   compensation to:                (1)  teacher candidates for preservice practice hours   at the district or school in an amount of at least $10,000 for   salary; and                (2)  cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher   candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least   $2,000.          (d)  In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),   a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall provide   compensation to teacher candidates in an amount of at least $10,000   for salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any   other available source.          (e)  An educator preparation program is not required to   incorporate the instruction described by Section 21.044(i) to be   eligible to participate in a residency partnership preservice   program until the date on which rules proposed by the State Board   for Educator Certification to implement that subsection take   effect. This subsection expires September 1, 2028.          Sec. 21.905.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP ALTERNATIVE PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a)  The commissioner   shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through   Partnership Alternative Preservice Program as a partnership   preservice program to enable qualified educator preparation   programs, as determined by the commissioner, that meet the   preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under   Section 21.04423 to form partnerships with school districts or   open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for an   intern with preservice experience certificate or standard   certificate.          (b)  The program must be designed to:                (1)  meet the requirements of a partnership preservice   program under Section 21.902; and                (2)  allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the   preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under   Section 21.04423(1).          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the alternative partnership preservice program   shall use money received under Section 48.157(b)(3) to provide   compensation to:                (1)  teacher candidates for preservice practice hours   at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for   salary; and                (2)  cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher   candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least   $1,000.          (d)  In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),   a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall provide   compensation to teacher candidates in any amount above the amount   provided by that subdivision for salary using money received under   Section 48.157 or from any other available source.          Sec. 21.906.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP GROW YOUR OWN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM. (a) The   commissioner shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators   through Partnership Grow Your Own Partnership Program to enable   qualified institutions of higher education and educator   preparation programs, as determined by the commissioner, to form   partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter   schools to establish innovative staffing pipelines to ensure the   availability of high-quality classroom teachers to benefit future   district or school students.          (b)  The grow your own partnership program must be designed   to form partnerships that support:                (1)  high school students in completing career and   technical education courses that help prepare the students to   become classroom teachers; or                (2)  district or school employees who do not hold a   teaching certificate in completing a bachelor's degree to enable   the person to become a classroom teacher while employed by the   district or school.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   participate in a grow your own partnership program only if the   district or school has been approved to participate in a   partnership preservice program.          (d)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the grow your own partnership program shall:                (1)  for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(1),   provide:                      (A)  authentic opportunities, which may be paid or   unpaid, for students to practice teaching under the supervision of   one or more cooperating teachers; and                      (B)  guidance and other transition supports as a   student begins an undergraduate degree program that offers a route   to teacher preparation;                (2)  for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(2),   provide for a district or school employee:                      (A)  scheduled release time to support the   completion of a bachelor's degree;                      (B)  authentic opportunities to practice teaching   under the supervision of one or more cooperating teachers;                      (C)  on-the-job training aligned with the   standards for educator certification established by the board;                      (D)  a job assignment that includes instructional   support for students enrolled in the district or school; and                      (E)  guidance and other transition supports as the   employee begins a program to satisfy the teacher preparation   requirements under Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423;                (3)  enter into a written agreement with an institution   of higher education or educator preparation program;                (4)  require an employee participating in a partnership   described by Subsection (b)(2) to, as a condition for   participation, earn a bachelor's degree and enroll in an educator   preparation program within three years of beginning participation   in the partnership; and                (5)  provide any information required by the agency   regarding the district's or school's implementation of the grow   your own partnership program.          (e)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   use money received under Section 48.157 to implement the grow your   own partnership program and pay tuition and fees for students or   employees participating in the program.          (f)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   only pair a student or employee participating in the program with a   cooperating teacher who agrees to participate in that role in a grow   your own partnership program at the district or school.          (g)  A student or employee participating in the program may   not serve:                (1)  as a teacher of record; or                (2)  except as provided by Subsection (h), in a   position in which the student or employee has the primary or sole   responsibility of providing instruction or supervision to   students.          (h)  A student or employee participating in the program may   serve in a position described by Subsection (g)(2) for the limited   purpose of gaining experience in the position.  The student's or   employee's amount of time serving in that position may not exceed   the amount of time during which the teacher of record for the   students has the primary or sole responsibility of providing   instruction or supervision to those students.          Sec. 21.907.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner shall   establish a preparing and retaining educators through partnership   mentorship program through which participating school districts or   open-enrollment charter schools implement a mentoring program that   meets the requirements of Section 21.458 for classroom teachers who   have less than two years of teaching experience.          (b)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the program must require a classroom teacher who   serves as a mentor teacher to annually complete a training program   for mentor teachers established or adopted by the agency.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   shall use money received under Section 48.157(b)(5) to provide   stipends for mentor teachers in an amount of at least $1,000.          (d)  If any money remains after providing a stipend to mentor   teachers in accordance with Subsection (c), the district may use   that money to provide:                (1)  scheduled release time for mentor teachers and   classroom teachers being mentored to meet and engage in mentoring   activities; and                (2)  support for mentor teachers through mentor   training and strategic staffing training.          Sec. 21.908.  EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM SUPPORT. The   agency shall develop and maintain a program to assist educator   preparation programs in implementing this subchapter.          Sec. 21.909.  PROGRAM STANDARDS AND PERFORMANCE GOALS.  (a)     The commissioner shall adopt rules establishing:                (1)  standards for partnership programs established   under this subchapter, including eligibility criteria for educator   preparation programs and institutions of higher education to   participate in the partnership programs; and                (2)  performance goals for partnership programs   established under this subchapter.          (b)  The commissioner shall periodically review the   performance of each partnership program established under this   subchapter to ensure the program meets the standards and   performance goals established under Subsection (a).          (c)  If, in reviewing a partnership program under Subsection   (b), the commissioner determines that the program has failed to   meet a performance goal established under Subsection (a), the   commissioner shall prohibit the entity that failed to meet the   performance goal from participating in a partnership program under   this subchapter for a period not to exceed five years.          Sec. 21.910.  AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN MONEY. The   commissioner may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations   from public and private entities to use for the purposes of this   subchapter.          Sec. 21.911.  RULES. The commissioner shall adopt rules as   necessary to implement this subchapter.          SECTION 2.18.  Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.157 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.157.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM ALLOTMENT. (a) In this section, "teacher   candidate" has the meaning assigned by Section 21.901.          (b)  Subject to Subsections (f) and (g), a school district is   entitled to an annual allotment equal to each of the following   applicable amounts:                (1)  for each teacher candidate completing preservice   practice hours at the district under Section 21.903, the sum of:                      (A)  $10,000; and                      (B)  the high needs and rural factor, as   determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000;                (2)  for each teacher candidate completing preservice   practice hours at the district under Section 21.904, the sum of:                      (A)  $24,000; and                      (B)  the high needs and rural factor, as   determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $3,000;                (3)  for each teacher candidate completing preservice   practice hours at the district under Section 21.905, the sum of:                      (A)  $10,000; and                      (B)  the high needs and rural factor, as   determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000;                (4)  for each district employee participating in a   partnership described by Section 21.906(b)(2), the sum of:                      (A)  $8,000; and                      (B)  the high needs and rural factor, as   determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $1,000; and                (5)  for each classroom teacher being mentored under   the preparing and retaining educators through partnership   mentorship program established under Section 21.907, $3,000.          (c)  The high needs and rural factor is the lesser of:                (1)  the average of the point value assigned to each   student at a district campus under Sections 48.112(e) and (f); or                (2)  4.0.          (d)  In addition to the funding under Subsection (b), a   district is entitled to an additional $2,000 for each teacher   candidate described by Subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) who is a   candidate for certification in bilingual education or special   education.          (e)  The Texas School for the Deaf and the Texas School for   the Blind and Visually Impaired are entitled to an allotment under   this section. If the commissioner determines that assigning point   values under Subsection (c) to students enrolled in the Texas   School for the Deaf or the Texas School for the Blind and Visually   Impaired is impractical, the commissioner may use the average point   value assigned for those students' home districts for purposes of   calculating the high needs and rural factor.          (f)  Unless a greater number of individuals is provided for   by appropriation for that school year, a school district may   receive an allotment for a school year for not more than:                (1)  except as provided by Subsection (g), 40   individuals under each of Subsections (b)(2), (4), and (5); and                (2)  a total of 80 individuals under Subsections (b)(1)   and (3).          (g)  If more than 40 individuals are eligible to receive an   allotment under Subsection (b)(2) for a school district, the   district is entitled to an allotment under Subsection (b)(1) for   those individuals, subject to the limitation under Subsection   (f)(2).          (h)  For purposes of offsetting tuition, fees, and   administrative costs, using money to which a school district is   otherwise entitled under Subsection (b), the commissioner shall   provide to a teacher candidate's educator preparation program each   of the following applicable amounts and reduce the district's   allotment under that subsection accordingly:                (1)  $5,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a   partnership preservice program under Section 21.903 who obtains a   standard certificate and has completed one year of employment with   the district;                (2)  $10,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a   partnership preservice program under Section 21.904 who obtains an   enhanced standard certificate and has completed one year of   employment with the district; and                (3)  $2,500 for each teacher candidate participating in   the alternative partnership preservice program under Section   21.905 who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate,   and an additional $2,500 for each teacher candidate who completes   the alternative partnership preservice program and obtains a   standard certificate under Section 21.0412.          (i)  An institution of higher education that operates an   educator preparation program that receives money under Subsection   (h) must spend not less than 85 percent of the money received on the   educator preparation program for which the money was received.          (j)  The agency shall only provide:                (1)  an initial payment of $4,000 of the money the   school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(1) for   a teacher candidate until the teacher candidate successfully   completes the requirements of a partnership preservice program   under Section 21.903 by the deadline established by the agency;                (2)  an initial payment of $12,000 of the money the   school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(2) for   a teacher candidate until the teacher candidate successfully   completes the requirements of a partnership preservice program   under Section 21.904 by the deadline established by the agency;                (3)  an initial payment of $4,000 of the money the   school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(3) for   a teacher candidate until the teacher candidate successfully   completes the requirements of an alternative partnership   preservice program under Section 21.905 by the deadline established   by the agency and issuance of an intern with preservice experience   certificate; and                (4)  50 percent of the money the school district is   entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(4) for a district employee   on the employee's successful completion of a bachelor's degree by   the deadline established by the agency.          SECTION 2.19.  Subchapter G, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.310 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.310.  ALLOTMENT FOR COMPLETION OF TEACHER LITERACY   OR MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMIES. An educator preparation   program participating in a Preparing and Retaining Educators   through Partnership Preservice Program under Section 21.902,   21.903, 21.904, or 21.905 is entitled to an annual allotment for   each teacher candidate who completes a literacy achievement academy   or mathematics achievement academy under Section 21.4552 or 21.4553   approved by the agency for the purpose in the amount of:                (1)  $1,000, or a greater amount set by appropriation   for that school year, for the completion of a literacy achievement   academy; or                (2)  $500, or a greater amount set by appropriation for   that school year, for the completion of a mathematics achievement   academy.          SECTION 2.20.  (a)  The following provisions of the   Education Code are repealed:                (1)  Section 21.051(a); and                (2)  Subchapter Q, Chapter 21.          (b)  Effective September 1, 2026, Section 48.114, Education   Code, is repealed.          (c)  Section 825.4092(f), Government Code, is repealed.          SECTION 2.21.  Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, as   amended by this article, applies to each local innovation plan   adopted under Chapter 12A, Education Code, regardless of whether   the plan was adopted before, on, or after the effective date of this   article.  A local innovation plan adopted or renewed before the   effective date of this article must comply with Section 12A.004(a),   Education Code, as amended by this article, not later than   September 1, 2026.          SECTION 2.22.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided by   Subsection (b) of this section, this article applies beginning with   the 2025-2026 school year.          (b)  Section 21.0032, Education Code, as added by this   article, and Section 21.402, Education Code, as amended by this   article, apply beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.          SECTION 2.23.  (a)  Sections 48.157 and 48.310, Education   Code, as added by this article, take effect September 1, 2026.          (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (a) of this section and   as otherwise provided by this Act, this article takes effect   immediately if this Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the   members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article   III, Texas Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote   necessary for immediate effect, this article takes effect September   1, 2025.   ARTICLE 3.  RIGHTS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS          SECTION 3.01.  Section 11.1513, Education Code, is amended   by amending Subsections (d) and (e) and adding Subsection (l) to   read as follows:          (d)  The employment policy must provide that not later than   the fifth [10th] school day before the date on which a district   fills a vacant position for which a certificate or license is   required as provided by Section 21.003, other than a position that   affects the safety and security of students as determined by the   board of trustees, the district must provide to each current   district employee:                (1)  notice of the position by posting the position on:                      (A)  a bulletin board at:                            (i)  a place convenient to the public in the   district's central administrative office; and                            (ii)  the central administrative office of   each campus in the district during any time the office is open; or                      (B)  the district's Internet website, if the   district has a website; and                (2)  a reasonable opportunity to apply for the   position.          (e)  If, during the school year, the district must fill a   vacant position held by a teacher, as defined by Section 21.201, in   less than five [10] school days, the district:                (1)  must provide notice of the position in the manner   described by Subsection (d)(1) as soon as possible after the   vacancy occurs;                (2)  is not required to provide the notice for five [10]   school days before filling the position; and                (3)  is not required to comply with Subsection (d)(2).          (l)  The employment policy must provide that for purposes of   determining the amount of a reduction in the salary of a classroom   teacher, full-time counselor, or full-time librarian for unpaid   leave, the employee's daily rate of pay is computed by dividing the   employee's annual salary by the number of days the employee is   expected to work for that school year.          SECTION 3.02.  Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 21.0411 and 21.04893 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.0411.  WAIVER OR PAYMENT OF CERTAIN EXAMINATION AND   CERTIFICATION FEES. (a) Notwithstanding a rule adopted under   Section 21.041(c), the board shall, for a person applying for a   certification in special education, bilingual education, or   another area specified by the General Appropriations Act, waive:                (1)  a certification examination fee imposed by the   board for the first administration of the examination to the   person; and                (2)  a fee associated with the application for   certification by the person.          (b)  The board shall pay to a vendor that administers a   certification examination described by Subsection (a) a fee   assessed by that vendor for the examination of a person applying for   a certification described by Subsection (a) for the first   administration of the examination to the person.          Sec. 21.04893.  BILINGUAL TARGET LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY   TEST.  The board shall propose rules to allow a person seeking   certification under this subchapter who fails to perform   satisfactorily on the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test   to:                (1)  retake only the sections of the test that include   the domains on which the person failed to perform satisfactorily;   and                (2)  during a retake of the test described by   Subdivision (1), demonstrate the person's language proficiency   through the completion of fewer components, including eliminating a   component that requires the preparation of a lesson plan for a   person who fails to perform satisfactorily on a domain requiring   completion of that component.          SECTION 3.03.  Section 21.105, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (g) to read as   follows:          (c)  Subject to Subsections (e), [and] (f), and (g), on   written complaint by the employing district, the State Board for   Educator Certification may impose sanctions against a teacher   employed under a probationary contract who:                (1)  resigns;                (2)  fails without good cause to comply with Subsection   (a) or (b); and                (3)  fails to perform the contract.          (g)  The State Board for Educator Certification may not   impose a sanction under Subsection (c) against a teacher who   relinquishes a position under a probationary contract and leaves   the employment of the district after the 45th day before the first   day of instruction for the upcoming school year in violation of   Subsection (a) and without the consent of the board of trustees   under Subsection (b) if the teacher's failure to comply with   Subsection (a) was due to:                (1)  a serious illness or health condition of the   teacher or a close family member of the teacher;                (2)  the teacher's relocation because the teacher's   spouse or a partner who resides with the teacher changes employers   or location of employment;                (3)  a significant change in the needs of the teacher's   family in a manner that requires the teacher to:                      (A)  relocate; or                       (B)  forgo employment during a period of required   employment under the teacher's contract; or                (4)  the teacher's reasonable belief that the teacher   had written permission from the school district's administration to   resign.          SECTION 3.04.  Section 21.160, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (g) to read as   follows:          (c)  Subject to Subsections (e), [and] (f), and (g), on   written complaint by the employing district, the State Board for   Educator Certification may impose sanctions against a teacher who   is employed under a continuing contract that obligates the district   to employ the person for the following school year and who:                (1)  resigns;                (2)  fails without good cause to comply with Subsection   (a) or (b); and                (3)  fails to perform the contract.          (g)  The State Board for Educator Certification may not   impose a sanction under Subsection (c) against a teacher who   relinquishes a position under a continuing contract and leaves the   employment of the district after the 45th day before the first day   of instruction of the upcoming school year in violation of   Subsection (a) and without the consent of the board of trustees   under Subsection (b) if the teacher's failure to comply with   Subsection (a) was due to:                (1)  a serious illness or health condition of the   teacher or a close family member of the teacher;                (2)  the teacher's relocation because the teacher's   spouse or a partner who resides with the teacher changes employers   or location of employment;                (3)  a significant change in the needs of the teacher's   family in a manner that requires the teacher to:                      (A)  relocate; or                       (B)  forgo employment during a period of required   employment under the teacher's contract; or                (4)  the teacher's reasonable belief that the teacher   had written permission from the school district's administration to   resign.          SECTION 3.05.  Section 21.210, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (g) to read as   follows:          (c)  Subject to Subsections (e), [and] (f), and (g), on   written complaint by the employing district, the State Board for   Educator Certification may impose sanctions against a teacher who   is employed under a term contract that obligates the district to   employ the person for the following school year and who:                (1)  resigns;                (2)  fails without good cause to comply with Subsection   (a) or (b); and                (3)  fails to perform the contract.          (g)  The State Board for Educator Certification may not   impose a sanction under Subsection (c) against a teacher who   relinquishes a position under a term contract and leaves the   employment of the district after the 45th day before the first day   of instruction of the upcoming school year in violation of   Subsection (a) and without the consent of the board of trustees   under Subsection (b) if the teacher's failure to comply with   Subsection (a) was due to:                (1)  a serious illness or health condition of the   teacher or a close family member of the teacher;                (2)  the teacher's relocation because the teacher's   spouse or a partner who resides with the teacher changes employers   or location of employment;                (3)  a significant change in the needs of the teacher's   family in a manner that requires the teacher to:                      (A)  relocate; or                       (B)  forgo employment during a period of required   employment under the teacher's contract; or                (4)  the teacher's reasonable belief that the teacher   had written permission from the school district's administration to   resign.          SECTION 3.06.  Section 21.257, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (f) to read as   follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (f), not [Not] later   than the 60th day after the date on which the commissioner receives   a teacher's written request for a hearing, the hearing examiner   shall complete the hearing and make a written recommendation that:                (1)  includes proposed findings of fact and conclusions   of law; and                (2)  may include a proposal for granting relief.          (f)  The hearing examiner may dismiss a hearing before   completing the hearing or making a written recommendation if:                (1)  the teacher requests the dismissal;                (2)  the school district withdraws the proposed   decision that is the basis of the hearing; or                (3)  the teacher and school district request the   dismissal after reaching a settlement regarding the proposed   decision that is the basis of the hearing.          SECTION 3.07.  Subchapter I, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 21.418 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.418.  ELECTION BY TEACHER TO USE UNPAID LEAVE. The   board of trustees of a school district shall adopt a policy that   provides a classroom teacher employed by the district the option to   elect not to take the teacher's paid personal leave concurrently   with unpaid leave the teacher is entitled to take under the Family   and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq.) for   an absence due to pregnancy or the birth or adoption of a child.          SECTION 3.08.  Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 21.466 and 21.468 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.466.  TEACHER QUALITY ASSISTANCE. (a) From money   appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the agency   shall develop training for and provide technical assistance to   school districts and open-enrollment charter schools regarding:                (1)  strategic compensation, staffing, and scheduling   efforts that improve professional growth, teacher leadership and   mentorship opportunities, and staff retention, including by   identifying opportunities to reduce noninstructional duties for   teachers;                (2)  programs that encourage high school students or   other members of the community in the area served by the district to   become teachers, including available teacher apprenticeship   programs, including by developing partnerships with educator   preparation programs; and                (3)  programs or strategies that school leaders may use   to establish clear and attainable behavior expectations while   proactively supporting students.          (b)  From money appropriated or otherwise available, the   agency shall provide grants to school districts and open-enrollment   charter schools to implement initiatives developed under this   section.          Sec. 21.468.  TEACHER POSITION INFORMATION.  The agency   shall collect data from school districts and open-enrollment   charter schools to address teacher retention and recruitment,   including the classifications, grade levels, subject areas,   duration, and other relevant information regarding vacant teaching   positions at districts and schools.  The data may be collected   through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS)   or another electronic reporting mechanism specified by the agency.          SECTION 3.09.  Section 26.011, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:          (c)  A grievance procedure adopted under Subsection (a) must   require that, for a complaint filed against a teacher or other   employee, the school district provide:                (1)  notice of the complaint to the teacher or employee   against whom the complaint was filed; and                (2)  sufficient opportunity for the teacher or employee   against whom the complaint was filed to submit a written response to   the complaint to be included in the record.          SECTION 3.10.  Section 37.002, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (b), (c), and (d) and adding Subsections   (b-2), (b-3), (c-1), (c-2), (e-1), (e-2), and (f) to read as   follows:          (b)  A teacher may remove from class a student who:                (1)  repeatedly interferes [who has been documented by   the teacher to repeatedly interfere] with the teacher's ability to   communicate effectively with the students in the class or with the   ability of the student's classmates to learn; [or]                (2)  demonstrates [whose] behavior that is unruly,   disruptive, or abusive toward the teacher, another adult, or   another student; or                (3)  engages in conduct that constitutes bullying, as   defined by Section 37.0832 [determines is so unruly, disruptive, or   abusive that it seriously interferes with the teacher's ability to   communicate effectively with the students in the class or with the   ability of the student's classmates to learn].          (b-2)  A teacher, campus behavior coordinator, or other   appropriate administrator shall notify a parent or person standing   in parental relation to a student of the removal of a student under   this section.          (b-3)  Subject to Sections 28.0022(a)(2) and (d), a teacher   may remove a student from class under Subsection (b) of this section   based on a single incident of behavior described by Subsection   (b)(1), (2), or (3).          (c)  If a teacher removes a student from class under   Subsection (b), the principal may place the student into another   appropriate classroom, into in-school suspension, or into a   disciplinary alternative education program as provided by Section   37.008. The principal may not return the student to that teacher's   class without the teacher's written consent unless the committee   established under Section 37.003 determines that such placement is   the best or only alternative available and, not later than the third   class day after the day on which the student was removed from class,   a conference in which the teacher has been provided an opportunity   to participate has been held in accordance with Section 37.009(a).   The principal may not return the student to that teacher's class   unless the teacher provides written consent for the student's   return or a return to class plan has been prepared for that student.   The principal may only designate an employee of the school whose   primary duties do not include classroom instruction to create a   return to class plan. The terms of the removal may prohibit the   student from attending or participating in school-sponsored or   school-related activity.          (c-1)  A return to class plan required under Subsection (c)   must be created before or at the conference described by that   subsection.  A plan created before the conference must be discussed   at the conference.          (c-2)  The commissioner shall adopt a model return to class   plan for use by a school district in creating a return to class plan   for a student under Subsection (c).          (d)  A teacher shall remove from class and send to the   principal for placement in a disciplinary alternative education   program or for expulsion, as appropriate, a student who engages in   conduct described under Section 37.006 or 37.007. The student may   not be returned to that teacher's class without the teacher's   written consent unless the committee established under Section   37.003 determines that such placement is the best or only   alternative available and a conference in which the teacher has   been provided an opportunity to participate has been held in   accordance with Section 37.009(a). If the teacher removed the   student from class because the student has engaged in the elements   of any offense listed in Section 37.006(a)(2)(B) or Section   37.007(a)(2)(A) or (b)(2)(C) against the teacher, the student may   not be returned to the teacher's class without the teacher's written    consent. The teacher may not be coerced to consent.          (e-1)  A student may appeal the student's removal from class   under this section to:                (1)  the school's placement review committee   established under Section 37.003; or                (2)  the safe and supportive school team established   under Section 37.115, in accordance with a district policy   providing for such an appeal to be made to the team.          (e-2)  The principal, campus behavior coordinator, or other   appropriate administrator shall, at the conference required under   Section 37.009(a), notify a student who has been removed from class   under this section and the parent of or person standing in parental   relation to the student of the student's right to appeal under   Subsection (e-1).          (f)  Section 37.004 applies to the removal or placement under   this section of a student with a disability who receives special   education services.          SECTION 3.11.  Section 37.115(c), Education Code, as amended   by Chapters 896 (H.B. 3) and 948 (S.B. 1720), Acts of the 88th   Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, is reenacted and amended to   read as follows:          (c)  The board of trustees of each school district shall   establish a threat assessment and safe and supportive school team   to serve at each campus of the district and shall adopt policies and   procedures for the teams. The team is responsible for developing   and implementing the safe and supportive school program under   Subsection (b) at the district campus served by the team. The   policies and procedures adopted under this section must:                (1)  be consistent with the model policies and   procedures developed by the Texas School Safety Center;                (2)  require each team to complete training provided by   the Texas School Safety Center or a regional education service   center regarding evidence-based threat assessment programs;                (3)  require each team established under this section   to report the information required under Subsection (k) regarding   the team's activities to the agency; [and]                (4)  provide for:                      (A)  a district employee who reports a potential   threat to a team to elect for the employee's identity to be   confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552,   Government Code, except as necessary for the team, the district, or   law enforcement to investigate the potential threat; and                      (B)  the district to maintain a record of the   identity of a district employee who elects for the employee's   identity to be confidential under Paragraph (A);                (5) [(4)]  require each district campus to establish a   clear procedure for a student to report concerning behavior   exhibited by another student for assessment by the team or other   appropriate school employee; and                (6)  require that, as soon as safe and practicable   after an administrator or team for a district campus receives   information regarding a threat made against that campus, including   through social media, the administrator or team immediately provide   to each member of the teaching staff, including teacher's aides,   who may be directly affected by the threat notice that includes:                      (A)  a statement of the existence of the threat;                      (B)  the nature of the threat; and                      (C)  any other pertinent details to ensure student   and staff safety.          SECTION 3.12.  Section 21.257(f), Education Code, as added   by this article, applies only to a hearing before a hearing examiner   commenced on or after the effective date of this article.          SECTION 3.13.  Sections 11.1513(d) and (e), Education Code,   as amended by this article, and Section 21.418, Education Code, as   added by this article, apply beginning with the 2025-2026 school   year.          SECTION 3.14.  To the extent of any conflict between the   changes made to the Education Code by this article and the changes   made to the Education Code by another Act of the 89th Legislature,   Regular Session, 2025, the changes made by this article prevail.          SECTION 3.15.  This article takes effect immediately if this   Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each   house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.     If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate   effect, this article takes effect September 1, 2025.   ARTICLE 4.  SPECIAL EDUCATION          SECTION 4.01.  Section 7.021(b)(10), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (10)  The agency shall carry out duties assigned under   Section 30.002 concerning children who have visual impairments, are   deaf or hard of hearing, or are deaf-blind [with visual   impairments].          SECTION 4.02.  Section 7.055(b)(25), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (25)  The commissioner shall develop a system to   distribute to school districts or regional education service   centers a special supplemental allowance for students with visual   impairments as required under Section 30.0021 [30.002].          SECTION 4.03.  Section 8.051(d), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (d)  Each regional education service center shall maintain   core services for purchase by school districts and campuses.  The   core services are:                (1)  training and assistance in:                      (A)  teaching each subject area assessed under   Section 39.023; and                      (B)  providing instruction in personal financial   literacy as required under Section 28.0021;                (2)  training and assistance in providing each program   that qualifies for a funding allotment under Section 48.102,   48.1021, 48.103, 48.104, 48.105, or 48.109;                (3)  assistance specifically designed for a school   district or campus assigned an unacceptable performance rating   under Section 39.054;                (4)  training and assistance to teachers,   administrators, members of district boards of trustees, and members   of site-based decision-making committees;                (5)  assistance specifically designed for a school   district that is considered out of compliance with state or federal   special education requirements, based on the agency's most recent   compliance review of the district's special education programs; and                (6)  assistance in complying with state laws and rules.          SECTION 4.04.  Sections 28.025(c-7) and (c-8), Education   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (c-7)  Subject to Subsection (c-8), a student who is enrolled   in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, may   earn the distinguished level of achievement under Subsection (b-15)   or an endorsement on the student's transcript under Subsection   (c-1) by:                (1)  successfully completing, with or without   modification of the curriculum:                      (A)  the curriculum requirements identified by   the State Board of Education under Subsection (a); [and]                      (B)  for the distinguished level of achievement,   the additional curriculum requirements prescribed under Subsection   (b-15); and                      (C)  for an endorsement, the additional   [endorsement] curriculum requirements prescribed by the State   Board of Education under Subsection (c-2); and                (2)  successfully completing all curriculum   requirements for the distinguished level of achievement or that   endorsement adopted by the State Board of Education:                      (A)  without modification of the curriculum; or                      (B)  with modification of the curriculum,   provided that the curriculum, as modified, is sufficiently rigorous   as determined by the student's admission, review, and dismissal   committee and documented in the student's individualized education   program.          (c-8)  For purposes of Subsection (c-7), the admission,   review, and dismissal committee of a student in a special education   program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, shall determine whether the   student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on an   end-of-course assessment instrument to earn the distinguished   level of achievement or an endorsement on the student's transcript.          SECTION 4.05.  Section 29.001, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.001.  IMPLEMENTATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION   LAW [STATEWIDE PLAN].  (a)  As the state education agency   responsible for carrying out the purposes of Part B, Individuals   with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1411 et seq.),   the [The] agency shall develop, and revise [modify] as necessary, a   comprehensive system to ensure statewide and local compliance   [design, consistent] with federal and state law related to special   education[, for the delivery of services to children with   disabilities in this state that includes rules for the   administration and funding of the special education program so that   a free appropriate public education is available to all of those   children between the ages of three and 21].          (b)  The comprehensive system must [statewide design shall]   include the provision of services primarily through school   districts and shared services arrangements, supplemented by   regional education service centers.          (c)  The comprehensive system must focus on maximizing   student outcomes and include [agency shall also develop and   implement a statewide plan with programmatic content that includes   procedures designed to]:                (1)  rulemaking, technical assistance, guidance   documents, monitoring protocols, data elements necessary for   statewide reporting, and other resources as necessary to implement   and ensure compliance with federal and state law related to special   education [ensure state compliance with requirements for   supplemental federal funding for all state-administered programs   involving the delivery of instructional or related services to   students with disabilities];                (2)  the facilitation of [facilitate] interagency   coordination when other state agencies are involved in the delivery   of instructional or related services to students with disabilities;                (3)  the pursuit of [periodically assess statewide   personnel needs in all areas of specialization related to special   education and pursue] strategies to meet statewide special   education and related services personnel [those] needs [through a   consortium of representatives from regional education service   centers, local education agencies, and institutions of higher   education and through other available alternatives];                (4)  ensuring [ensure] that regional education service   centers throughout the state maintain a regional support function,   which may include procedures for service centers to assist school   districts in identifying existing public or private educational or   related services in each region, cooperatively developing programs   for students with disabilities, providing to or obtaining for   school districts special equipment, delivering services, and   facilitating [direct service delivery and a component designed to   facilitate] the placement of students with disabilities who cannot   be appropriately served in their resident districts;                (5)  [allow the agency to] effectively monitoring   [monitor] and periodically conducting [conduct] site visits of all   school districts to ensure that rules adopted under this subchapter   [section] are applied in a consistent and uniform manner, to ensure   that districts are complying with those rules, and to ensure that   annual statistical reports filed by the districts and not otherwise   available through the Public Education Information Management   System under Sections 48.008 and 48.009 are accurate and complete;   and                (6)  the provision of training and technical assistance   to ensure that:                      (A)  appropriately trained personnel are involved   in the diagnostic and evaluative procedures operating in all   districts and that those personnel routinely serve on district   multidisciplinary evaluation teams and admissions, review, and   dismissal committees;                      (B)  [(7)  ensure that] an individualized   education program for each student with a disability is properly   developed, implemented, and maintained in the least restrictive   environment that is appropriate to meet the student's educational   needs;                      (C)  appropriately trained personnel are   available to students with disabilities who have significant   behavioral support needs, including by making behavioral support   training available to each paraprofessional or teacher placed in a   classroom or other setting that is intended to provide specialized   behavioral supports to a student with a disability, as needed or at   regular intervals as provided in the student's individualized   education program;                      (D)  [(8)  ensure that,] when appropriate, each   student with a disability is provided an opportunity to participate   in career and technology and physical education classes[, in   addition to participating in regular or special classes];                      (E)  [(9)  ensure that] each student with a   disability is provided necessary related services;                      (F)  school districts have an opportunity to   request technical assistance from the agency or a regional   education service center in establishing classroom environments   conducive to learning for students with disabilities, including   environments for students whose data indicate behavior that   significantly impedes the student's own learning and the learning   of other students;                      (G)  [(10)  ensure that] an individual assigned   to act as a surrogate parent for a child with a disability, as   provided by 20 U.S.C. Section 1415(b), is required to:                            (i) [(A)]  complete a training program that   complies with minimum standards established by agency rule;                            (ii) [(B)]  visit the child and the child's   school;                            (iii) [(C)]  consult with persons involved   in the child's education, including teachers, caseworkers,   court-appointed volunteers, guardians ad litem, attorneys ad   litem, foster parents, and caretakers;                            (iv) [(D)]  review the child's educational   records;                            (v) [(E)]  attend meetings of the child's   admission, review, and dismissal committee;                            (vi) [(F)]  exercise independent judgment   in pursuing the child's interests; and                            (vii) [(G)]  exercise the child's due   process rights under applicable state and federal law; and                      (H)  [(11)  ensure that] each district develops a   process to be used by a teacher who instructs a student with a   disability in a general education [regular] classroom setting:                            (i) [(A)]  to request a review of the   student's individualized education program;                            (ii) [(B)]  to provide input in the   development of the student's individualized education program;                            (iii) [(C)]  that provides for a timely   district response to the teacher's request; and                            (iv) [(D)]  that provides for notification   to the student's parent or legal guardian of that response.          SECTION 4.06.  Subchapter A, Chapter 29, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 29.0012 to read as follows:          Sec. 29.0012.  ANNUAL MEETING ON SPECIAL EDUCATION. (a)  At   least once each year, the board of trustees of a school district or   the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school shall   include during a public meeting a discussion of the performance of   students receiving special education services at the district or   school.          (b)  The agency by rule shall adopt a set of performance   indicators for measuring and evaluating the quality of learning and   achievement for students receiving special education services at   the school district or open-enrollment charter school to be   considered at a meeting held under this section.  The indicators   must include performance on the college, career, or military   readiness outcomes described by Section 48.110.          SECTION 4.07.  Section 29.003, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.003.  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.  (a)  The agency shall   develop specific eligibility criteria based on the general   classifications established by this section and in accordance with   federal law [with reference to contemporary diagnostic or   evaluative terminologies and techniques].  Eligible students with   disabilities shall enjoy the right to a free appropriate public   education, which may include instruction in the general education    [regular] classroom, instruction through special teaching, or   instruction through contracts approved under this subchapter.     Instruction shall be supplemented by the provision of related   services when appropriate.          (b)  A student is eligible to participate in a school   district's special education program [if the student]:                (1)  from birth through [is not more than] 21 years of   age if the student [and] has a visual [or auditory] impairment, is   deaf or hard of hearing, or is deaf-blind and that disability   prevents the student from being adequately or safely educated in   public school without the provision of special education services;   [or]                (2)  from three years of age through nine years of age   if the student is experiencing developmental delays as described by   20 U.S.C. Section 1401(3)(B) and defined by commissioner rule; or                (3)  from 3 years of age through [is at least three but   not more than] 21 years of age if the student [and] has one or more   of the [following] disabilities described by 20 U.S.C. Section   1401(3)(A) and that disability prevents the student from being   adequately or safely educated in public school without the   provision of special education services[:                      [(A)  physical disability;                      [(B)  intellectual or developmental disability;                      [(C)  emotional disturbance;                      [(D)  learning disability;                      [(E)  autism;                      [(F)  speech disability; or                      [(G)  traumatic brain injury].          SECTION 4.08.  Sections 29.005(a), (d), and (e), Education   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Before a child is enrolled in a special education   program of a school district, the district shall establish a   committee composed of the persons required under 20 U.S.C. Section   1414(d) to develop the child's individualized education program.     If a committee is required to include a general [regular] education   teacher, the [regular education] teacher included must, to the   extent practicable, be a teacher who is responsible for   implementing a portion of the child's individualized education   program.          (d)  If the primary language of the child's parent is a   language other than [is unable to speak] English, the district   shall:                (1)  provide the parent with a written or audiotaped   copy of the child's individualized education program translated   into Spanish if Spanish is the parent's primary [native] language;   or                (2)  if the parent's primary [native] language is a   language other than Spanish, make a good faith effort to provide the   parent with a written or audiotaped copy of the child's   individualized education program translated into the parent's   primary [native] language.          (e)  The commissioner by rule may require a school district   to include in the individualized education program of a student   with autism [or another pervasive developmental disorder] any   information or requirement determined necessary to ensure the   student receives a free appropriate public education as required   under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.   Section 1400 et seq.).          SECTION 4.09.  Section 29.0051, Education Code, is amended   by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:          (d)  From federal money appropriated or otherwise available   for the purpose, the commissioner may develop or procure the model   form developed under Subsection (a) in a digital format.  If the   commissioner develops or procures the model form in a digital   format, the commissioner shall adopt rules regarding school   district use of the form in that format.          SECTION 4.10.  Subchapter A, Chapter 29, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 29.0056 to read as follows:          Sec. 29.0056.  INFORMATION REGARDING STATE SUPPORTED LIVING   CENTERS. (a)  In this section, "state supported living center" has   the meaning assigned by Section 531.002, Health and Safety Code.          (b)  The Health and Human Services Commission, in   collaboration with the agency and stakeholders who represent the   full continuum of educational residential placement options, shall   develop and provide to the agency materials regarding educational   residential placement options for children who may qualify for   placement in a state supported living center. The agency shall make   the materials developed under this subsection available to school   districts.          (c)  At a meeting of a child's admission, review, and   dismissal committee at which residential placement is discussed,   the school district shall provide to the child's parent the   materials developed under Subsection (b).          SECTION 4.11.  Sections 29.006(a) and (c), Education Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The governor shall appoint a continuing advisory   committee consistent with[, composed of 17 members, under] 20   U.S.C. Section 1412(a)(21).  At least one member appointed under   this subsection must be a director of special education programs   for a school district.          (c)  Members of the committee are appointed for staggered   terms of four years with the terms of half of the [eight or nine]   members or, for an odd number of members, half of the members   rounded down or half of the members rounded up expiring on February   1 of each odd-numbered year.          SECTION 4.12.  Section 29.008, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.008.  CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES; RESIDENTIAL AND DAY   PLACEMENT PROGRAMS.  (a)  The commissioner shall set minimum   standards for and develop and update as necessary a list of approved   public or private facilities, institutions, agencies, or   businesses inside or outside of this state that a [A] school   district, shared services arrangement unit, or regional education   service center may contract with [a public or private facility,   institution, or agency inside or outside of this state] for the   provision of services to students with disabilities in a   residential or day placement program.          (a-1)  [Each contract for residential placement must be   approved by the commissioner.]  The commissioner may approve a   facility, institution, agency, or business under Subsection (a)    [residential placement contract] only after at least a programmatic   evaluation of personnel qualifications, costs, adequacy of   physical plant and equipment, and curriculum content.  [The   commissioner may approve either the whole or a part of a facility or   program.]          (a-2)  Each contract described by this section must be   approved by the commissioner.  A school district, shared services   arrangement unit, or regional education service center seeking to   place a student in a residential or day placement program that is   not on the list developed under Subsection (a) must submit to the   commissioner an application for approval in accordance with   Subsections (a) and (a-1).          (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), costs of an   approved contract for residential placement may be paid from a   combination of federal, state, and local funds.  The local share of   the total contract cost for each student is that portion of the   local tax effort that exceeds the district's local fund assignment   under Section 48.256, divided by the average daily attendance in   the district.  If the contract involves a private facility, the   state share of the total contract cost is that amount remaining   after subtracting the local share.  If the contract involves a   public facility, the state share is that amount remaining after   subtracting the local share from the portion of the contract that   involves the costs of instructional and related services.  For   purposes of this subsection, "local tax effort" means the total   amount of money generated by taxes imposed for debt service and   maintenance and operation less any amounts paid into a tax   increment fund under Chapter 311, Tax Code.  This subsection   expires September 1, 2027.          (c)  When a student, including one for whom the state is   managing conservator, is placed primarily for care or treatment   reasons in a private [residential] facility that operates its own   private education program, none of the costs may be paid from public   education funds.  If a [residential] placement primarily for care   or treatment reasons involves a private [residential] facility in   which the education program is provided by the school district, the   portion of the costs that includes appropriate education services,   as determined by the school district's admission, review, and   dismissal committee, shall be paid from local, state, and federal   education funds.          (d)  A district that contracts for the provision of education   services rather than providing the services itself shall oversee   the implementation of the student's individualized education   program and shall annually reevaluate the appropriateness of the   arrangement.  The reevaluation must include standards and   expectations that must be met to reintegrate the student to the   general education setting.  An approved facility, institution, [or]   agency, or business with whom the district contracts shall   periodically report to the district and the agency on the services   the student has received or will receive in accordance with the   contract as well as diagnostic or other evaluative information that   the district or agency requires in order to fulfill its obligations   under this subchapter.          (e)  The commissioner shall adopt rules for residential and   day placement of students receiving special education services.          SECTION 4.13.  The heading to Section 29.009, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 29.009.  PUBLIC NOTICE CONCERNING EARLY CHILDHOOD   SPECIAL EDUCATION [PRESCHOOL] PROGRAMS [FOR STUDENTS WITH   DISABILITIES].          SECTION 4.14.  Section 29.010, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.010.  GENERAL SUPERVISION AND COMPLIANCE.  (a)  The   agency shall develop [adopt] and implement a comprehensive system   for monitoring school district compliance with federal and state   laws relating to special education.  The monitoring system must   include a comprehensive cyclical process and a targeted risk-based   process [provide for ongoing analysis of district special education   data and of complaints filed with the agency concerning special   education services and for inspections of school districts at   district facilities].  The agency shall establish criteria and   instruments for use in determining district compliance under this   section [use the information obtained through analysis of district   data and from the complaints management system to determine the   appropriate schedule for and extent of the inspection].          (a-1)  As part of the monitoring system, the agency may   require a school district to obtain specialized technical   assistance for a documented noncompliance issue or if data   indicates that technical assistance is needed, such as an incident   involving injury to staff or students by a student receiving   special education services or data indicating an excessive number   of restraints are used on students receiving special education   services.          (b)  As part of the monitoring process [To complete the   inspection], the agency must obtain information from parents and   teachers of students in special education programs in the district.          (c)  The agency shall develop and implement a system of   interventions and sanctions for school districts the agency   identifies as being in noncompliance with [whose most recent   monitoring visit shows a failure to comply with major requirements   of] the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.   Section 1400 et seq.), federal regulations, state statutes, or   agency requirements necessary to carry out federal law or   regulations or state law relating to special education.          (d)  The agency shall establish a system of progressive   sanctions and enforcement provisions to apply to [For] districts   that remain in noncompliance for more than one year[, the first   stage of sanctions shall begin with annual or more frequent   monitoring visits]. The [Subsequent] sanctions must [may] range in   severity and may include [up to] the withholding of funds.  If funds   are withheld, the agency may use the funds, or direct the funds to   be used, to provide, through alternative arrangements, services to   students and staff members in the district from which the funds are   withheld.          (e)  The agency's complaint management division shall   develop a system for expedited investigation and resolution of   complaints concerning a district's failure to provide special   education or related services to a student eligible to participate   in the district's special education program.          [(f)  This section does not create an obligation for or   impose a requirement on a school district or open-enrollment   charter school that is not also created or imposed under another   state law or a federal law.]          SECTION 4.15.  Section 29.012(d), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (d)  The Texas Education Agency, the Health and Human   Services Commission, the Department of Family and Protective   Services, and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department by a   cooperative effort shall develop and [by rule] adopt a memorandum   of understanding.  The memorandum must:                (1)  establish the respective responsibilities of   school districts and of residential facilities for the provision of   a free, appropriate public education, as required by the   Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400   et seq.) and its subsequent amendments, including each requirement   for children with disabilities who reside in those facilities;                (2)  coordinate regulatory and planning functions of   the parties to the memorandum;                (3)  establish criteria for determining when a public   school will provide educational services;                (4)  provide for appropriate educational space when   education services will be provided at the residential facility;                (5)  establish measures designed to ensure the safety   of students and teachers; and                (6)  provide for binding arbitration consistent with   Chapter 2009, Government Code, and Section 154.027, Civil Practice   and Remedies Code.          SECTION 4.16.  Section 29.013, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.013.  NONEDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPORT   SERVICES GRANTS FOR CERTAIN STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.  (a)  The   commissioner [agency] shall adopt rules establishing [establish]   procedures and criteria for the allocation of grants [funds   appropriated] under this section to students who are eligible under   Subsection (b) and the students' families [school districts] for   the provision of noneducational community-based support services   [to certain students with disabilities and their families so that   those students may receive an appropriate free public education in   the least restrictive environment].          (b)  A grant [The funds] may be awarded under this section   [used] only to a student with a disability [for eligible students   with disabilities] who is [would remain or would have to be] placed   by the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee in:                (1)  a residential program approved under Section   29.008; or                (2)  a day placement program and is at risk of being   placed in a residential program approved under Section 29.008   [facilities primarily for educational reasons without the   provision of noneducational community-based support services].          (c)  The support services may not be related to the provision   of a free appropriate public education to the student and may   include in-home family support, behavioral and other   disability-related supports for the student's family, respite   care, and case management for the student's family [families with a   student who otherwise would have been placed by a district in a   private residential facility].          (d)  A school district shall:                (1)  notify the parent of a student described by   Subsection (b) of the availability of grants under this section;   and                (2)  designate a campus or district staff member to   assist families of students described by Subsection (b) in   accessing grants under this section.          (e)  On request by the parent of a student described by   Subsection (b), the commissioner shall create an account for the   student to access a grant under this section through which the   parent may request payment for approved support services.          (f)  In adopting rules under this section, the commissioner   shall adopt rules and guidelines detailing the process to access   grant money and the amount of each grant, including a process for a   parent to apply for an increase in the grant amount.          (g)  The provision of services under this section does not   supersede or limit the responsibility of a school district or other   agencies to provide or pay for costs [of noneducational   community-based support services] to enable any student with   disabilities to receive a free appropriate public education in the   least restrictive environment.  [Specifically, services provided   under this section may not be used for a student with disabilities   who is currently placed or who needs to be placed in a residential   facility primarily for noneducational reasons.]          (h)  The commissioner may designate a regional education   service center to administer grants under this section.          SECTION 4.17.  Sections 29.014(c) and (d), Education Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, a   student whose appropriate education program is a general [regular]   education program may receive services and be counted for   attendance purposes for the number of hours per week appropriate   for the student's condition if the student:                (1)  is temporarily classified as eligible for   participation in a special education program because of the   student's confinement in a hospital; and                (2)  the student's education is provided by a district   to which this section applies.          (d)  The basic allotment for a student enrolled in a district   to which this section applies is adjusted by the tier of intensity   of service defined in accordance with [weight for a homebound   student under] Section 48.102 and designated by commissioner rule   for use under this section [48.102(a)].          SECTION 4.18.  Section 29.0162(b), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The commissioner by rule shall adopt additional   qualifications and requirements for a representative for purposes   of Subsection (a)(2).  The rules must:                (1)  prohibit an individual from being a representative   under Subsection (a)(2) opposing a school district if:                      (A)  the individual has prior employment   experience with the district; and                      (B)  the district raises an objection to the   individual serving as a representative;                (2)  include requirements that the representative have   knowledge of:                      (A)  all special education dispute resolution   options available to parents, including due process and due process   rules, hearings, and procedure; and                      (B)  federal and state special education laws;                (3)  require, if the representative receives monetary   compensation from a person for representation in an impartial due   process hearing, that the representative agree to abide by a   voluntary code of ethics and professional conduct during the period   of representation; and                (4)  require, if the representative receives monetary   compensation from a person for representation in an impartial due   process hearing, that the representative enter into a written   agreement for representation with the person who is the subject of   the special education due process hearing that includes a process   for resolving any disputes between the representative and the   person.          SECTION 4.19.  Section 29.018(b), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  A school district is eligible to apply for a grant under   this section if:                (1)  the district does not receive sufficient funds,   including state funds provided under Sections [Section] 48.102 and   48.1021 and federal funds, for a student with disabilities to pay   for the special education services provided to the student; or                (2)  the district does not receive sufficient funds,   including state funds provided under Sections [Section] 48.102 and   48.1021 and federal funds, for all students with disabilities in   the district to pay for the special education services provided to   the students.          SECTION 4.20.  The heading to Section 29.020, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 29.020.  STATE-ADMINISTERED INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION   PROGRAM FACILITATION [PROJECT].          SECTION 4.21.  Sections 29.020(a) and (c), Education Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The agency shall develop rules in accordance with this   section applicable to state-administered [the administration of a   state] individualized education program facilitation [project].     The program shall include the provision of an independent   individualized education program facilitator as a dispute   resolution method that may be used to avoid a potential dispute   between a school district and a parent of a student with a   disability or to facilitate an admission, review, and dismissal   committee meeting with parties who are in a dispute about decisions   relating to the provision of a free appropriate public education to   a student with a disability.  Facilitation [implemented under the   project] must comply with rules developed under this subsection.          (c)  If the commissioner determines that adequate funding is   available, the commissioner may authorize the use of federal funds   to implement [the] individualized education program facilitation   [project] in accordance with this section.          SECTION 4.22.  Sections 29.022(a), (a-1), (b), (c), (c-1),   (d), (f), (h), (k), (l), (q), (s), and (t), Education Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (a)  In order to promote student safety, on receipt of a   written request authorized under Subsection (a-1), a school   district or open-enrollment charter school shall provide   equipment, including a video camera, to the school or schools in the   district or the charter school campus or campuses specified in the   request.  A school or campus that receives equipment as provided by   this subsection shall place, operate, and maintain one or more   video cameras in special education [self-contained] classrooms and   other special education settings [in which a majority of the   students in regular attendance are provided special education and   related services and are assigned to one or more self-contained   classrooms or other special education settings for at least 50   percent of the instructional day], provided that:                (1)  a school or campus that receives equipment as a   result of the request by a parent or staff member is required to   place equipment only in classrooms or settings in which the   parent's child is in regular attendance or to which the staff member   is assigned, as applicable; and                (2)  a school or campus that receives equipment as a   result of the request by a board of trustees, governing body,   principal, or assistant principal is required to place equipment   only in classrooms or settings identified by the requestor, if the   requestor limits the request to specific classrooms or settings   subject to this subsection.          (a-1)  For purposes of Subsection (a):                (1)  a parent of a child who receives special education   services in one or more special education [self-contained]   classrooms or other special education settings may request in   writing that equipment be provided to the school or campus at which   the child receives those services;                (2)  a board of trustees or governing body may request   in writing that equipment be provided to one or more specified   schools or campuses at which one or more children receive special   education services in special education [self-contained]   classrooms or other special education settings;                (3)  the principal or assistant principal of a school   or campus at which one or more children receive special education   services in special education [self-contained] classrooms or other   special education settings may request in writing that equipment be   provided to the principal's or assistant principal's school or   campus; and                (4)  a staff member assigned to work with one or more   children receiving special education services in special education   [self-contained] classrooms or other special education settings   may request in writing that equipment be provided to the school or   campus at which the staff member works.          (b)  A school or campus that places a video camera in a   special education classroom or other special education setting in   accordance with Subsection (a) shall operate and maintain the video   camera in the classroom or setting, as long as the classroom or   setting continues to satisfy the requirements under Subsection (a),   for the remainder of the school year in which the school or campus   received the request, unless the requestor withdraws the request in   writing.  If for any reason a school or campus will discontinue   operation of a video camera during a school year, not later than the   fifth school day before the date the operation of the video camera   will be discontinued, the school or campus must notify the parents   of each student in regular attendance in the classroom or setting   that operation of the video camera will not continue unless   requested by a person eligible to make a request under Subsection   (a-1).  Not later than the 10th school day before the end of each   school year, the school or campus must notify the parents of each   student in regular attendance in the classroom or setting that   operation of the video camera will not continue during the   following school year unless a person eligible to make a request for   the next school year under Subsection (a-1) submits a new request.          (c)  Except as provided by Subsection (c-1), video cameras   placed under this section must be capable of:                (1)  covering all areas of the special education   classroom or other special education setting, including a room   attached to the classroom or setting used for time-out; and                (2)  recording audio from all areas of the special   education classroom or other special education setting, including a   room attached to the classroom or setting used for time-out.          (c-1)  The inside of a bathroom or any area in the special   education classroom or other special education setting in which a   student's clothes are changed may not be visually monitored, except   for incidental coverage of a minor portion of a bathroom or changing   area because of the layout of the classroom or setting.          (d)  Before a school or campus activates a video camera in a   special education classroom or other special education setting   under this section, the school or campus shall provide written   notice of the placement to all school or campus staff and to the   parents of each student attending class or engaging in school   activities in the classroom or setting.          (f)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any person for   use in placing video cameras in special education classrooms or   other special education settings under this section.          (h)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   not:                (1)  allow regular or continual monitoring of video   recorded under this section; or                (2)  use video recorded under this section for teacher   evaluation or for any other purpose other than the promotion of   safety of students receiving special education services in a   special education [self-contained] classroom or other special   education setting.          (k)  The commissioner may adopt rules to implement and   administer this section, including rules regarding the special   education classrooms and other special education settings to which   this section applies.          (l)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   policy relating to the placement, operation, or maintenance of   video cameras under this section must:                (1)  include information on how a person may appeal an   action by the district or school that the person believes to be in   violation of this section or a policy adopted in accordance with   this section, including the appeals process under Section 7.057;                (2)  require that the district or school provide a   response to a request made under this section not later than the   seventh school business day after receipt of the request by the   person to whom it must be submitted under Subsection (a-3) that   authorizes the request or states the reason for denying the   request;                (3)  except as provided by Subdivision (5), require   that a school or a campus begin operation of a video camera in   compliance with this section not later than the 45th school   business day, or the first school day after the 45th school business   day if that day is not a school day, after the request is authorized   unless the agency grants an extension of time;                (4)  permit the parent of a student whose admission,   review, and dismissal committee has determined that the student's   placement for the following school year will be in a special   education classroom or other special education setting in which a   video camera may be placed under this section to make a request for   the video camera by the later of:                      (A)  the date on which the current school year   ends; or                      (B)  the 10th school business day after the date   of the placement determination by the admission, review, and   dismissal committee; and                (5)  if a request is made by a parent in compliance with   Subdivision (4), unless the agency grants an extension of time,   require that a school or campus begin operation of a video camera in   compliance with this section not later than the later of:                      (A)  the 10th school day of the fall semester; or                      (B)  the 45th school business day, or the first   school day after the 45th school business day if that day is not a   school day, after the date the request is made.          (q)  The agency shall collect through the Public Education   Information Management System (PEIMS) data relating to requests   made under this section and actions taken by a school district or   open-enrollment charter school in response to a request, including   the number of requests made, authorized, and denied.          (s)  This section applies to the placement, operation, and   maintenance of a video camera in a special education   [self-contained] classroom or other special education setting   during the regular school year and extended school year services.          (t)  A video camera placed under this section is not required   to be in operation for the time during which students are not   present in the special education classroom or other special   education setting.          SECTION 4.23.  Sections 29.022(u)(3) and (4), Education   Code, are amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Special education classroom or other special   education setting" means a classroom or setting primarily used for   delivering special education services to students who spend on   average less than 50 percent of an instructional day in a general   education classroom or setting ["Self-contained classroom" does   not include a classroom that is a resource room instructional   arrangement under Section 48.102].                (4)  "Staff member" means a teacher, related service   provider, paraprofessional, counselor, or educational aide   assigned to work in a special education [self-contained] classroom   or other special education setting.          SECTION 4.24.  Subchapter A, Chapter 29, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 29.026 to read as follows:          Sec. 29.026.  RULES.  The commissioner may adopt rules as   necessary to implement this subchapter.          SECTION 4.25.  The heading to Subchapter A-1, Chapter 29,   Education Code, is amended to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER A-1. PARENT-DIRECTED [SUPPLEMENTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION]   SERVICES FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES   [PROGRAM]          SECTION 4.26.  Sections 29.041(2) and (3), Education Code,   are amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Supplemental [special education] instructional   materials" includes textbooks, computer hardware or software,   other technological devices, and other materials suitable for   addressing an educational need of a student receiving special   education services under Subchapter A.                (3)  "Supplemental [special education] services" means   an additive service that provides an educational benefit to a   student receiving special education services under Subchapter A,   including:                      (A)  occupational therapy, physical therapy, and   speech therapy; and                      (B)  private tutoring and other supplemental   private instruction or programs.          SECTION 4.27.  Section 29.042, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsections (e) and (f)   to read as follows:          (a)  The agency by rule shall establish and administer a   parent-directed [supplemental special education services and   instructional materials] program for students receiving special   education services through which a parent may direct supplemental   services and supplemental instructional materials for the parent's   student [students] who meets [meet] the eligibility requirements   for participation in the program. Subject to Subsection (c), the   agency shall provide each student approved as provided by this   subchapter a grant of not more than $1,500 to purchase supplemental   [special education] services and supplemental [special education]   instructional materials.  If the agency receives more acceptable   applications for a grant for a school year than available funding   for that school year, the agency shall place remaining students on a   waitlist for the subsequent school year.          (c)  A student may receive one grant under this subchapter   unless the legislature appropriates money for an additional grant   in the General Appropriations Act [The commissioner shall set aside   an amount set by appropriation for each state fiscal year to fund   the program under this section. For each state fiscal year, the   total amount provided for student grants under Subsection (a) may   not exceed the amount set aside by the commissioner under this   subsection].          (e)  The agency shall maintain an online user-friendly   application system for parents to apply for a grant described by   Subsection (a).          (f)  A regional education service center designated to   administer the program under this subchapter for a school year is   entitled to receive not more than four percent of the amount   appropriated for purposes of making grants under this subchapter   for that school year for the costs of administering the program.           SECTION 4.28.  Section 29.045, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.045.  APPROVAL OF APPLICATION; ASSIGNMENT OF   ACCOUNT.  Subject to available funding the agency shall approve   each student who meets the program eligibility criteria established   under Section 29.044 and assign to the student an account   maintained under Section 29.042(b). The account may only be used by   the student's parent to purchase supplemental [special education]   services or supplemental [special education] instructional   materials for the student, subject to Sections 29.046 and 29.047.          SECTION 4.29.  Sections 29.046(a) and (b), Education Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Money in an account assigned to a student under Section   29.045 may be used only for supplemental [special education]   services and supplemental [special education] instructional   materials.          (b)  Supplemental [special education] services must be   provided by an agency-approved provider.          SECTION 4.30.  Sections 29.047(a), (c), (d), and (e),   Education Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The agency shall establish criteria necessary for   agency approval for each category of provider of a professional   service that is a supplemental [special education] service, as   identified by the agency.          (c)  The agency shall provide a procedure for providers of   supplemental [special education] services to apply to the agency to   become an agency-approved provider.          (d)  The agency may establish criteria for agency approval of   vendors for each category of supplemental [special education]   instructional materials identified by the agency.          (e)  If the agency establishes criteria for agency approval   for a vendor of a category of supplemental [special education]   instructional materials, the agency shall provide a procedure for   vendors of that category to apply to the agency to become an   agency-approved vendor.          SECTION 4.31.  Subchapter A-1, Chapter 29, Education Code,   is amended by adding Section 29.0475 to read as follows:          Sec. 29.0475.  PROGRAM PARTICIPANT, PROVIDER, AND VENDOR   AUTONOMY. (a) A provider of supplemental services or vendor of   supplemental instructional materials that receives money   distributed under the program is not a recipient of federal   financial assistance on the basis of receiving that money.          (b)  A rule adopted or action taken related to the program by   an individual, governmental entity, court of law, or program   administrator may not:                (1)  consider the actions of a provider of supplemental   services, vendor of supplemental instructional materials, or   program participant to be the actions of an agent of state   government;                (2)  limit:                      (A)  a provider of supplemental services' ability   to determine the methods used to educate the provider's students or   to exercise the provider's religious or institutional values; or                      (B)  a program participant's ability to determine   the participant's educational content or to exercise the   participant's religious values;                (3)  obligate a provider of supplemental services or   program participant to act contrary to the provider's or   participant's religious or institutional values, as applicable;                (4)  impose any regulation on a provider of   supplemental services, vendor of supplemental instructional   materials, or program participant beyond those regulations   necessary to enforce the requirements of the program; or                (5)  require as a condition of receiving money   distributed under the program:                      (A)  a provider of supplemental services to modify   the provider's creed, practices, admissions policies, curriculum,   performance standards, employment policies, or assessments; or                      (B)  a program participant to modify the   participant's creed, practices, curriculum, performance standards,   or assessments.          (c)  In a proceeding challenging a rule adopted by a state   agency or officer under this subchapter, the agency or officer has   the burden of proof to establish by clear and convincing evidence   that the rule:                (1)  is necessary to implement or enforce the program   as provided by this subchapter;                (2)  does not violate this section;                (3)  does not impose an undue burden on a program   participant or a provider of supplemental services or vendor of   supplemental instructional materials that participates or applies   to participate in the program; and                (4)  is the least restrictive means of accomplishing   the purpose of the program while recognizing the independence of a   provider of supplemental services to meet the educational needs of   students in accordance with the provider's religious or   institutional values.          SECTION 4.32.  Section 29.048, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.048.  ADMISSION, REVIEW, AND DISMISSAL COMMITTEE   DUTIES. (a) A student's admission, review, and dismissal   committee shall develop a student's individualized education   program under Section 29.005, in compliance with the Individuals   with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.),   without consideration of any supplemental [special education]   services or supplemental instructional materials that may be   provided under the program under this subchapter.          (b)  Unless the district first verifies that an account has   been assigned to the student under Section 29.045, the [The]   admission, review, and dismissal committee of a student approved   for participation in the program shall provide to the student's   parent at an admission, review, and dismissal committee meeting for   the student:                (1)  information regarding the types of supplemental   [special education] services or supplemental instructional   materials available under the program and provided by   agency-approved providers for which an account maintained under   Section 29.042(b) for the student may be used; and                (2)  instructions regarding accessing an account   described by Subdivision (1).          SECTION 4.33.  Subchapter A-1, Chapter 29, Education Code,   is amended by adding Section 29.0485 to read as follows:          Sec. 29.0485.  DETERMINATION OF COMMISSIONER FINAL.   Notwithstanding Section 7.057, a determination of the commissioner   under this subchapter is final and may not be appealed.          SECTION 4.34.  Section 29.049, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.049.  RULES. The commissioner shall adopt rules as   necessary to administer the supplemental [special education]   services and supplemental instructional materials program under   this subchapter.          SECTION 4.35.  Section 29.301(1), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:                (1)  "Admission, review, and dismissal committee"   means the committee required by [State Board of Education rules to   develop the individualized education program required by] the   Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400   et seq.) for any student needing special education.          SECTION 4.36.  Sections 29.304(a) and (c), Education Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  A student who is deaf or hard of hearing must have an   education in which teachers, psychologists, speech language   pathologists [therapists], progress assessors, administrators, and   others involved in education understand the unique nature of   deafness and the hard-of-hearing condition.  A teacher of students   who are deaf or hard of hearing either must be proficient in   appropriate language modes or use an interpreter certified in   appropriate language modes if certification is available.          (c)  General [Regular] and special education personnel who   work with students who are deaf or hard of hearing must be   adequately prepared to provide educational instruction and   services to those students.          SECTION 4.37.  Section 29.310, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (d) to read as   follows:          (c)  The procedures and materials for the assessment and   placement of a student who is deaf or hard of hearing shall be in the   student's preferred mode of communication.  All other procedures   and materials used with any student who is deaf or hard of hearing   and who is an emergent bilingual student as defined by Section   29.052 [has limited English proficiency] shall be in the student's   preferred mode of communication.          (d)  In recognizing the need for development of language and   communication abilities in students who are deaf or hard of hearing   but also calling for the use of methods of communication that will   meet the needs of each individual student, each student who is deaf   or hard of hearing must be thoroughly assessed to ascertain the   student's potential for communicating through a variety of means.          SECTION 4.38.  Section 29.313, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.313.  EVALUATION OF DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING   SERVICES [PROGRAMS].  (a)  Each school district must provide   continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of the district's   services [programs of the district] for students who are deaf or   hard of hearing.  The [If practicable,] evaluations shall follow   program excellence indicators established by the agency.          (b)  Each school district shall submit the evaluations under   this section to the agency on a schedule set by the agency.          SECTION 4.39.  Section 29.314, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.314.  TRANSITION INTO GENERAL EDUCATION [REGULAR]   CLASS.  In addition to satisfying requirements of the admission,   review, and dismissal committee and to satisfying requirements   under state and federal law for vocational training, each school   district shall develop and implement a transition plan for the   transition of a student who is deaf or hard of hearing into a   general education [regular] class [program] if the student is to be   transferred from a special class or center or nonpublic,   nonsectarian school into a general education [regular] class in a   public school for any part of the school day.  The transition plan   must provide for activities:                (1)  to integrate the student into the general   [regular] education program and specify the nature of each activity   and the time spent on the activity each day; and                (2)  to support the transition of the student from the   special education program into the general [regular] education   program.          SECTION 4.40.  Section 29.315, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.315.  TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF MEMORANDUM OF   UNDERSTANDING. The Texas Education Agency and the Texas School for   the Deaf shall develop[, agree to, and by commissioner rule adopt no   later than September 1, 1998,] a memorandum of understanding to   establish:                (1)  the method for developing and reevaluating a set   of indicators of the quality of learning at the Texas School for the   Deaf;                (2)  the process for the agency to conduct and report on   an annual evaluation of the school's performance on the indicators;                (3)  the requirements for the school's board to   publish, discuss, and disseminate an annual report describing the   educational performance of the school; and                (4)  [the process for the agency to assign an   accreditation status to the school, to reevaluate the status on an   annual basis, and, if necessary, to conduct monitoring reviews; and                [(5)]  the type of information the school shall be   required to provide through the Public Education Information   Management System (PEIMS).          SECTION 4.41.  Section 29.316, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.316.  LANGUAGE ACQUISITION.  (a)  In this section,   "language[:                [(1)  "Center" means the Educational Resource Center on   Deafness at the Texas School for the Deaf.                [(2)  "Division" means the Division for Early Childhood   Intervention Services of the Health and Human Services Commission.                [(3)  "Language] acquisition" includes expressive and   receptive language acquisition and literacy development in   English, American Sign Language, or both, or, if applicable, in   another language primarily used by a child's parent or guardian,   and is separate from any modality used to communicate in the   applicable language or languages.          (b)  Each school district [The commissioner and the   executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission   jointly] shall ensure that the language acquisition of each child   eight years of age or younger who is deaf or hard of hearing is   regularly assessed using a tool or assessment approved by the   commissioner [determined to be valid and reliable as provided by   Subsection (d)].          (c)  On a schedule determined by the commissioner, each   school district shall report to the commissioner through the Public   Education Information Management System (PEIMS) or another method   set by commissioner rule the assessment data collected under   Subsection (b) [Not later than August 31 of each year, the agency,   the division, and the center jointly shall prepare and post on the   agency's, the division's, and the center's respective Internet   websites a report on the language acquisition of children eight   years of age or younger who are deaf or hard of hearing. The report   must:                [(1)  include:                      [(A)  existing data reported in compliance with   federal law regarding children with disabilities; and                      [(B)  information relating to the language   acquisition of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and also   have other disabilities;                [(2)  state for each child:                      [(A)  the instructional arrangement used with the   child, as described by Section 48.102, including the time the child   spends in a mainstream instructional arrangement;                      [(B)  the specific language acquisition services   provided to the child, including:                            [(i)  the time spent providing those   services; and                            [(ii)  a description of any hearing   amplification used in the delivery of those services, including:                                  [(a)  the type of hearing   amplification used;                                  [(b)  the period of time in which the   child has had access to the hearing amplification; and                                  [(c)  the average amount of time the   child uses the hearing amplification each day;                      [(C)  the tools or assessments used to assess the   child's language acquisition and the results obtained;                      [(D)  the preferred unique communication mode   used by the child at home; and                      [(E)  the child's age, race, and gender, the age   at which the child was identified as being deaf or hard of hearing,   and any other relevant demographic information the commissioner   determines to likely be correlated with or have an impact on the   child's language acquisition;                [(3)  compare progress in English literacy made by   children who are deaf or hard of hearing to progress in that subject   made by children of the same age who are not deaf or hard of hearing,   by appropriate age range; and                [(4)  be redacted as necessary to comply with state and   federal law regarding the confidentiality of student medical or   educational information].          (d)  The commissioner[, the executive commissioner of the   Health and Human Services Commission, and the center] shall adopt   rules establishing the assessment data required to be reported   under Subsection (c) [enter into a memorandum of understanding   regarding:                [(1)  the identification of experts in deaf education;   and                [(2)  the determination, in consultation with those   experts, of the tools and assessments that are valid and reliable,   in both content and administration, for use in assessing the   language acquisition of children eight years of age or younger who   are deaf or hard of hearing].          (e)  The commissioner shall annually post on the agency's   Internet website a report on the language acquisition of children   eight years of age or younger who are deaf or hard of hearing using   the assessment data reported under Subsection (c) [agency shall use   existing collected data and data collected and transferred from the   Department of State Health Services and the Health and Human   Services Commission, as agreed upon in the memorandum of   understanding, for the report under this section].          (f)  The commissioner shall use the assessment data reported   under Subsection (c) in determining whether to award a grant under   Section 29.018 or in seeking federal money available for projects   aimed at improving outcomes for students with disabilities [and the   executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission   jointly shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section,   including rules for:                [(1)  assigning each child eight years of age or   younger who is deaf or hard of hearing a unique identification   number for purposes of the report required under Subsection (c) and   to enable the tracking of the child's language acquisition, and   factors affecting the child's language acquisition, over time; and                [(2)  implementing this section in a manner that   complies with federal law regarding confidentiality of student   medical or educational information, including the Health Insurance   Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. Section 1320d   et seq.) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974   (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g), and any state law relating to the privacy   of student information].          SECTION 4.42.  The heading to Section 30.002, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 30.002.  STATE PLAN [EDUCATION] FOR CHILDREN WITH   VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS, WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING, OR WHO ARE   DEAF-BLIND.          SECTION 4.43.  Sections 30.002(a), (b), (c), and (e),   Education Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The agency shall develop and administer a comprehensive   statewide plan for the education of children [with visual   impairments] who are under 22 [21] years of age and who have visual   impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are deaf-blind that   will ensure that the children have an opportunity for achievement   equal to the opportunities afforded their peers who do not have   visual impairments, are not deaf or hard of hearing, or are not   deaf-blind [with normal vision].          (b)  The agency shall:                (1)  develop standards and guidelines for all special   education and related services for children who have visual   impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are deaf-blind [with   visual impairments] that it is authorized to provide or support   under this code and federal law;                (2)  supervise regional education service centers and   other entities in assisting school districts in serving children   who have visual impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are   deaf-blind [with visual impairments] more effectively; and                (3)  [develop and administer special education   services for students with both serious visual and auditory   impairments;                [(4)  evaluate special education services provided for   children with visual impairments by school districts and approve or   disapprove state funding of those services; and                [(5)]  maintain an effective liaison between special   education programs provided for children who have visual   impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are deaf-blind [with   visual impairments] by school districts and related initiatives of   the Health and Human Services Commission, [the Department of State   Health Services Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division,] the   Texas Workforce Commission, and other related programs, agencies,   or facilities as appropriate.          (c)  The comprehensive statewide plan for the education of   children who have visual impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing,   or are deaf-blind [with visual impairments] must:                (1)  adequately provide for comprehensive diagnosis   and evaluation of each school-age child who has a visual   impairment, is deaf or hard of hearing, or is deaf-blind and   adequately outline the expectations of a school district for such a   child under three years of age [with a serious visual impairment];                (2)  include the procedures, format, and content of the   individualized education program for each child who has a visual   impairment, is deaf or hard of hearing, or is deaf-blind [with a   visual impairment];                (3)  emphasize providing educational services to   children who have visual impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing,   or are deaf-blind [with visual impairments] in their home   communities whenever possible;                (4)  include information regarding the establishment   of regional day school programs for the deaf under Subchapter D and   the parameters of those programs [methods to ensure that children   with visual impairments receiving special education services in   school districts receive, before being placed in a classroom   setting or within a reasonable time after placement:                      [(A)  evaluation of the impairment; and                      [(B)  instruction in an expanded core curriculum,   which is required for students with visual impairments to succeed   in classroom settings and to derive lasting, practical benefits   from the education provided by school districts, including   instruction in:                            [(i)  compensatory skills, such as braille   and concept development, and other skills needed to access the rest   of the curriculum;                            [(ii)  orientation and mobility;                            [(iii)  social interaction skills;                            [(iv)  career planning;                            [(v)  assistive technology, including   optical devices;                            [(vi)  independent living skills;                            [(vii)  recreation and leisure enjoyment;                            [(viii)  self-determination; and                            [(ix)  sensory efficiency];                (5)  provide for flexibility on the part of school   districts to meet the unique [special] needs of children who have   visual impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are deaf-blind    [with visual impairments] through:                      (A)  specialty staff and resources provided by the   district;                      (B)  contractual arrangements with other   qualified public or private agencies;                      (C)  supportive assistance from regional   education service centers or adjacent school districts;                      (D)  short-term or long-term services through the   Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Texas School   for the Deaf, regional day school programs for the deaf, or related   facilities or programs; or                      (E)  other instructional and service arrangements   approved by the agency;                (6)  [include a statewide admission, review, and   dismissal process;                [(7)]  provide for effective interaction between the   [visually impaired child's] classroom setting of the child who has   a visual impairment, is deaf or hard of hearing, or is deaf-blind    and the child's home environment, including providing for parental   training and counseling either by school district staff or by   representatives of other organizations directly involved in the   development and implementation of the individualized education   program for the child;                (7)  describe recommended and required professional   development activities based on the special education and related   services provided by school district staff to children who have   visual impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are deaf-blind    [(8)  require the continuing education and professional   development of school district staff providing special education   services to children with visual impairments];                (8) [(9)]  provide for adequate monitoring and precise   evaluation of special education services provided to children who   have visual impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are   deaf-blind [with visual impairments] through school districts;   [and]                (9) [(10)]  require that school districts providing   special education services to children who have visual impairments,   are deaf or hard of hearing, or are deaf-blind [with visual   impairments] develop procedures for assuring that staff assigned to   work with the children have prompt and effective access directly to   resources available through:                      (A)  cooperating agencies in the area;                      (B)  the Texas School for the Blind and Visually   Impaired;                      (C)  the Texas School for the Deaf;                      (D)  the statewide outreach center at the Texas   School for the Deaf;                      (E)  the Central Media Depository for specialized   instructional materials and aids made specifically for use by   students with visual impairments;                      (F) [(D)]  sheltered workshops participating in   the state program of purchases of blind-made goods and services;   and                      (G) [(E)]  related sources; and                (10)  assist in the coordination of educational   programs with other public and private agencies, including:                      (A)  agencies operating early childhood   intervention programs;                      (B)  preschools;                      (C)  agencies operating child development   programs;                      (D)  private nonsectarian schools;                      (E)  agencies operating regional occupational   centers and programs; and                      (F)  as appropriate, postsecondary and adult   programs for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.          (e)  Each eligible [blind or visually impaired] student who   has a visual impairment, is deaf or hard of hearing, or is   deaf-blind is entitled to receive educational programs according to   an individualized education program that:                (1)  is developed in accordance with federal and state   requirements for providing special education services;                (2)  is developed by a committee composed as required   by federal law;                (3)  reflects that the student has been provided a   detailed explanation of the various service resources available to   the student in the community and throughout the state;                (4)  provides a detailed description of the   arrangements made to provide the student with the evaluation and   instruction required under this subchapter and Subchapter A,   Chapter 29 [Subsection (c)(4)]; and                (5)  sets forth the plans and arrangements made for   contacts with and continuing services to the student beyond regular   school hours to ensure the student learns the skills and receives   the instruction required under this subchapter and Subchapter A,   Chapter 29 [Subsection (c)(4)(B)].          SECTION 4.44.  Subchapter A, Chapter 30, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 30.0021 to read as follows:          Sec. 30.0021.  REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL   IMPAIRMENTS. (a) Each child with a visual impairment must receive   instruction in an expanded core curriculum required for children   with visual impairments to succeed in classroom settings and to   derive lasting, practical benefits from education in a school   district, including instruction in:                (1)  compensatory skills, such as braille and concept   development, and other skills necessary to access the rest of the   curriculum;                (2)  orientation and mobility;                (3)  social interaction skills;                (4)  career education;                (5)  assistive technology, including optical devices;                (6)  independent living skills;                (7)  recreation and leisure enjoyment;                (8)  self-determination; and                (9)  sensory efficiency.          (b)  To determine a child's eligibility for a school   district's special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter   29, on the basis of a visual impairment, the full individual and   initial evaluation of the child under Section 29.004 and any   reevaluation of the child must, in accordance with commissioner   rule:                (1)  include an orientation and mobility evaluation   conducted:                      (A)  by a person who is appropriately certified as   an orientation and mobility specialist, as determined by   commissioner rule; and                      (B)  in a variety of lighting conditions and   settings, including in the child's home, school, and community and   in settings unfamiliar to the child; and                (2)  provide for a person who is appropriately   certified as an orientation and mobility specialist, as determined   by commissioner rule, to participate, as part of a   multidisciplinary team, in evaluating the data on which the   determination of the child's eligibility is based.          (c)  In developing an individualized education program under   Section 29.005 for a child with a visual impairment, proficiency in   reading and writing must be a significant indicator of the child's   satisfactory educational progress.  The individualized education   program must include instruction in braille and the use of braille   unless the child's admission, review, and dismissal committee   documents a determination, based on an evaluation of the child's   appropriate literacy media and literacy skills and the child's   current and future instructional needs, that braille is not an   appropriate literacy medium for the child.          (d)  Braille instruction:                (1)  may be used in combination with other special   education services appropriate to the educational needs of a child   with a visual impairment; and                (2)  must be provided by a teacher certified to teach   children with visual impairments under Subchapter B, Chapter 21.          (e)  A school district shall provide to each person assisting   in the development of an individualized education program for a   child with a visual impairment information describing the benefits   of braille instruction.          (f)  To facilitate implementation of this section, the   commissioner shall develop a system to distribute from the   foundation school fund to school districts or regional education   service centers a special supplemental allowance for each student   with a visual impairment.  The supplemental allowance may be spent   only for special education services uniquely required by the nature   of the child's disabilities and may not be used in lieu of   educational funds otherwise available under this code or through   state or local appropriations.          SECTION 4.45.  Section 30.003, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (b), (d), (f-1), and (g) and adding Subsection   (b-1) to read as follows:          (b)  If the student is admitted to the school for a full-time   program for the equivalent of two long semesters, the district's   share of the cost is an amount equal to the dollar amount of   maintenance and debt service taxes imposed by the district for that   year, subject to Subsection (b-1), divided by the district's   average daily attendance for the preceding year.          (b-1)  The commissioner shall reduce the amount of   maintenance taxes imposed by the district that are obligated to be   paid under Subsection (b) for a year by the amount, if any, by which   the district is required to reduce the district's local revenue   level under Section 48.257 for that year.          (d)  Each school district and state institution shall   provide to the commissioner the necessary information to determine   the district's share under this section.  The information must be   reported to the commissioner on or before a date set by commissioner   rule [of the State Board of Education].  After determining the   amount of a district's share for all students for which the district   is responsible, the commissioner shall deduct that amount from the   payments of foundation school funds payable to the district.  Each   deduction shall be in the same percentage of the total amount of the   district's share as the percentage of the total foundation school   fund entitlement being paid to the district at the time of the   deduction, except that the amount of any deduction may be modified   to make necessary adjustments or to correct errors.  The   commissioner shall provide for remitting the amount deducted to the   appropriate school at the same time at which the remaining funds are   distributed to the district.  If a district does not receive   foundation school funds or if a district's foundation school   entitlement is less than the amount of the district's share under   this section, the commissioner shall direct the district to remit   payment to the commissioner, and the commissioner shall remit the   district's share to the appropriate school.          (f-1)  The commissioner shall determine the total amount   that the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the   Texas School for the Deaf would have received from school districts   in accordance with this section if the following provisions had not   reduced the districts' share of the cost of providing education   services:                (1)  H.B. No. 1, Acts of the 79th Legislature, 3rd   Called Session, 2006;                (2)  Subsection (b-1) of this section;                (3)  Section 45.0032;                (4) [(3)]  Section 48.255; and                (5) [(4)]  Section 48.2551.          (g)  The commissioner [State Board of Education] may adopt   rules as necessary to implement this section.          SECTION 4.46.  Section 30.004(b), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The commissioner [State Board of Education] shall adopt   rules prescribing the form and content of information required by   Subsection (a).          SECTION 4.47.  Section 30.005, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 30.005.  TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY   IMPAIRED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  The Texas Education Agency   and the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired shall   develop[, agree to, and by commissioner rule adopt] a memorandum of   understanding to establish:                (1)  the method for developing and reevaluating a set   of indicators of the quality of learning at the Texas School for the   Blind and Visually Impaired;                (2)  the process for the agency to conduct and report on   an annual evaluation of the school's performance on the indicators;                (3)  the requirements for the school's board to   publish, discuss, and disseminate an annual report describing the   educational performance of the school; and                (4)  [the process for the agency to:                      [(A)  assign an accreditation status to the   school;                      [(B)  reevaluate the status on an annual basis;   and                      [(C)  if necessary, conduct monitoring reviews;   and                [(5)]  the type of information the school shall be   required to provide through the Public Education Information   Management System (PEIMS).          SECTION 4.48.  Section 30.021(e), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (e)  The school shall cooperate with public and private   agencies and organizations serving students and other persons with   visual impairments in the planning, development, and   implementation of effective educational and rehabilitative service   delivery systems associated with educating students with visual   impairments.  To maximize and make efficient use of state   facilities, funding, and resources, the services provided in this   area may include conducting a cooperative program with other   agencies to serve students who have graduated from high school by   completing all academic requirements applicable to students in   general [regular] education, excluding satisfactory performance   under Section 39.025, who are younger than 22 years of age on   September 1 of the school year and who have identified needs related   to vocational training, independent living skills, orientation and   mobility, social and leisure skills, compensatory skills, or   remedial academic skills.          SECTION 4.49.  Section 30.081, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 30.081.  LEGISLATIVE INTENT CONCERNING REGIONAL DAY   SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF.  The legislature, by this subchapter, intends   to continue a process of providing on a statewide basis a suitable   education to deaf or hard of hearing students who are under 22 [21]   years of age and assuring that those students have the opportunity   to become independent citizens.          SECTION 4.50.  Section 30.083, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 30.083.  STATEWIDE PLAN.  [(a)]  The director of   services shall develop and administer a comprehensive statewide   plan for educational services for students who are deaf or hard of   hearing and receive special education and related services through   a regional day school program for the deaf[, including continuing   diagnosis and evaluation, counseling, and teaching].  The plan   shall be included as part of the comprehensive statewide plan under   Section 30.002 [designed to accomplish the following objectives:                [(1)  providing assistance and counseling to parents of   students who are deaf or hard of hearing in regional day school   programs for the deaf and admitting to the programs students who   have a hearing loss that interferes with the processing of   linguistic information;                [(2)  enabling students who are deaf or hard of hearing   to reside with their parents or guardians and be provided an   appropriate education in their home school districts or in regional   day school programs for the deaf;                [(3)  enabling students who are deaf or hard of hearing   who are unable to attend schools at their place of residence and   whose parents or guardians live too far from facilities of regional   day school programs for the deaf for daily commuting to be   accommodated in foster homes or other residential school facilities   provided for by the agency so that those children may attend a   regional day school program for the deaf;                [(4)  enrolling in the Texas School for the Deaf those   students who are deaf or hard of hearing whose needs can best be met   in that school and designating the Texas School for the Deaf as the   statewide educational resource for students who are deaf or hard of   hearing;                [(5)  encouraging students in regional day school   programs for the deaf to attend general education classes on a   part-time, full-time, or trial basis; and                [(6)  recognizing the need for development of language   and communications abilities in students who are deaf or hard of   hearing, but also calling for the use of methods of communication   that will meet the needs of each individual student, with each   student assessed thoroughly so as to ascertain the student's   potential for communications through a variety of means, including   through oral or aural means, fingerspelling, or sign language].          [(b)  The director of services may establish separate   programs to accommodate diverse communication methodologies.]          SECTION 4.51.  Section 37.146(a), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  A complaint alleging the commission of a school offense   must, in addition to the requirements imposed by Article 45A.101,   Code of Criminal Procedure:                (1)  be sworn to by a person who has personal knowledge   of the underlying facts giving rise to probable cause to believe   that an offense has been committed; and                (2)  be accompanied by a statement from a school   employee stating:                      (A)  whether the child is eligible for or receives   special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29; and                      (B)  the graduated sanctions, if required under   Section 37.144, that were imposed on the child before the complaint   was filed.          SECTION 4.52.  Section 38.003(c-1), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c-1)  The agency by rule shall develop procedures designed   to allow the agency to:                (1)  effectively audit and monitor and periodically   conduct site visits of all school districts to ensure that   districts are complying with this section, including the program   approved by the State Board of Education under this section;                (2)  identify any problems school districts experience   in complying with this section, including the program approved by   the State Board of Education under this section;                (3)  develop reasonable and appropriate remedial   strategies to address school district noncompliance and ensure the   purposes of this section are accomplished, which may include the   publication of a recommended evidence-based dyslexia program list;   [and]                (4)  solicit input from parents of students enrolled in   a school district during the auditing and monitoring of the   district under Subdivision (1) regarding the district's   implementation of the program approved by the State Board of   Education under this section; and                (5)  engage in general supervision activities,   including activities under the comprehensive system for monitoring   described by Section 29.010, to ensure school district compliance   with the program approved by the State Board of Education under this   section and Part B, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20   U.S.C. Section 1411 et seq.).          SECTION 4.53.  Section 48.009(b), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The commissioner by rule shall require each school   district and open-enrollment charter school to report through the   Public Education Information Management System information   regarding:                (1)  the number of students enrolled in the district or   school who are identified as having dyslexia;                (2)  the availability of school counselors, including   the number of full-time equivalent school counselors, at each   campus;                (3)  the availability of expanded learning   opportunities as described by Section 33.252 at each campus;                (4)  the total number of students, other than students   described by Subdivision (5), enrolled in the district or school   with whom the district or school, as applicable, used intervention   strategies, as that term is defined by Section 26.004, at any time   during the year for which the report is made;                (5)  the total number of students enrolled in the   district or school to whom the district or school provided aids,   accommodations, or services under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act   of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794), at any time during the year for   which the report is made;                (6)  disaggregated by campus and grade, the number of:                      (A)  children who are required to attend school   under Section 25.085, are not exempted under Section 25.086, and   fail to attend school without excuse for 10 or more days or parts of   days within a six-month period in the same school year;                      (B)  students for whom the district initiates a   truancy prevention measure under Section 25.0915(a-4); and                      (C)  parents of students against whom an   attendance officer or other appropriate school official has filed a   complaint under Section 25.093; [and]                (7)  the number of students who are enrolled in a high   school equivalency program, a dropout recovery school, or an adult   education program provided under a high school diploma and industry   certification charter school program provided by the district or   school and who:                      (A)  are at least 18 years of age and under 26   years of age;                      (B)  have not previously been reported to the   agency as dropouts; and                      (C)  enroll in the program at the district or   school after not attending school for a period of at least nine   months; and                (8)  students enrolled in a special education program   under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, as necessary for the agency to   adequately perform general supervision activities and determine   funding under Sections 48.102 and 48.1021.          SECTION 4.54.  Section 48.102, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 48.102.  SPECIAL EDUCATION.  (a)  For each student in   average daily attendance in a special education program under   Subchapter A, Chapter 29, [in a mainstream instructional   arrangement,] a school district is entitled to an annual allotment   equal to the basic allotment, or, if applicable, the sum of the   basic allotment and the allotment under Section 48.101 to which the   district is entitled, multiplied by a weight in an amount set by the   legislature in the General Appropriations Act for the highest tier   of intensity of service for which the student qualifies [1.15].          (a-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), for the 2026-2027   school year, the amount of an allotment under this section shall be   determined in accordance with Section 48.1022.  This subsection   expires September 1, 2027.  [For each full-time equivalent student   in average daily attendance in a special education program under   Subchapter A, Chapter 29, in an instructional arrangement other   than a mainstream instructional arrangement, a district is entitled   to an annual allotment equal to the basic allotment, or, if   applicable, the sum of the basic allotment and the allotment under   Section 48.101 to which the district is entitled, multiplied by a   weight determined according to instructional arrangement as   follows:                [Homebound 5.0                [Hospital class 3.0                [Speech therapy 5.0                [Resource room 3.0                [Self-contained, mild and moderate, regular campus  3.0                [Self-contained, severe, regular campus  3.0                [Off home campus 2.7                [Nonpublic day school 1.7                [Vocational adjustment class 2.3]          (b)  The commissioner by rule shall define eight tiers of   intensity of service for use in determining funding under this   section.  The commissioner must include one tier specifically   addressing students receiving special education services in   residential placement and one tier for students receiving only   speech therapy  [A special instructional arrangement for students   with disabilities residing in care and treatment facilities, other   than state schools, whose parents or guardians do not reside in the   district providing education services shall be established by   commissioner rule.  The funding weight for this arrangement shall   be 4.0 for those students who receive their education service on a   local school district campus.  A special instructional arrangement   for students with disabilities residing in state schools shall be   established by commissioner rule with a funding weight of 2.8].          (c)  In defining the tiers of intensity of service under   Subsection (b), the commissioner shall consider:                (1)  the type, frequency, and nature of services   provided to a student;                (2)  the required certifications, licensures, or other   qualifications for personnel serving the student;                (3)  any identified or curriculum-required   provider-to-student ratios for the student to receive the   appropriate services; and                (4)  any equipment or technology required for the   services [For funding purposes, the number of contact hours   credited per day for each student in the off home campus   instructional arrangement may not exceed the contact hours credited   per day for the multidistrict class instructional arrangement in   the 1992-1993 school year].          (d)  [For funding purposes the contact hours credited per day   for each student in the resource room; self-contained, mild and   moderate; and self-contained, severe, instructional arrangements   may not exceed the average of the statewide total contact hours   credited per day for those three instructional arrangements in the   1992-1993 school year.          [(e)  The commissioner by rule shall prescribe the   qualifications an instructional arrangement must meet in order to   be funded as a particular instructional arrangement under this   section.  In prescribing the qualifications that a mainstream   instructional arrangement must meet, the commissioner shall   establish requirements that students with disabilities and their   teachers receive the direct, indirect, and support services that   are necessary to enrich the regular classroom and enable student   success.          [(f)  In this section, "full-time equivalent student" means   30 hours of contact a week between a special education student and   special education program personnel.          [(g)  The commissioner shall adopt rules and procedures   governing contracts for residential placement of special education   students.  The legislature shall provide by appropriation for the   state's share of the costs of those placements.          [(h)]  At least 55 percent of the funds allocated under this   section must be used in the special education program under   Subchapter A, Chapter 29.          (e) [(i)]  The agency shall ensure [encourage] the placement   of students in special education programs, including students in   residential placement [instructional arrangements], in the least   restrictive environment appropriate for their educational needs.          (f) [(j)]  A school district that provides an extended year   program required by federal law for special education students who   may regress is entitled to receive funds in an amount equal to [75   percent, or a lesser percentage determined by the commissioner, of]   the basic allotment, or, if applicable, the sum of the basic   allotment and the allotment under Section 48.101 to which the   district is entitled for each [full-time equivalent] student in   average daily attendance, multiplied by the amount designated for   the highest tier of intensity of service for which the student   qualifies [student's instructional arrangement] under this   section, for each day the program is provided divided by the number   of days in the minimum school year. [The total amount of state   funding for extended year services under this section may not   exceed $10 million per year.]  A school district may use funds   received under this section only in providing an extended year   program.          (g) [(k)]  From the total amount of funds appropriated for   special education under this section, the commissioner shall   withhold an amount specified in the General Appropriations Act, and   distribute that amount to school districts for programs under   Section 29.014.  The program established under that section is   required only in school districts in which the program is financed   by funds distributed under this subsection and any other funds   available for the program.  After deducting the amount withheld   under this subsection from the total amount appropriated for   special education, the commissioner shall reduce each district's   allotment proportionately and shall allocate funds to each district   accordingly.          (h)  Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year,   the commissioner shall submit to the Legislative Budget Board, for   purposes of the allotment under this section, proposed weights for   the tiers of intensity of service for the next state fiscal   biennium.          SECTION 4.55.  Subchapter C, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 48.1021 and 48.1022 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.1021.  SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICE GROUP ALLOTMENT.   (a)  For each student in a special education program under   Subchapter A, Chapter 29, a school district is entitled to an   allotment in an amount set by the legislature in the General   Appropriations Act for the service group for which the student   receives services.          (a-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), for the 2026-2027   school year, the amount of an allotment under this section shall be   determined in accordance with Section 48.1022.  This subsection   expires September 1, 2027.          (b)  The commissioner by rule shall establish at least four   service groups for use in determining funding under this section.     In establishing the groups, the commissioner must consider:                (1)  the type, frequency, and nature of services   provided to a student;                (2)  the required certifications, licensures, or other   qualifications for personnel serving the student;                (3)  any identified or curriculum-required   provider-to-student ratios for the student to receive the   appropriate services; and                (4)  any equipment or technology required for the   services.          (c)  At least 55 percent of the funds allocated under this   section must be used for a special education program under   Subchapter A, Chapter 29.          (d)  Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year,   the commissioner shall submit to the Legislative Budget Board, for   purposes of the allotment under this section, proposed amounts of   funding for the service groups for the next state fiscal biennium.          Sec. 48.1022.  SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSITION FUNDING.   (a)  For the 2026-2027 school year, the commissioner may adjust   weights or amounts provided under Section 48.102 or 48.1021 as   necessary to ensure compliance with requirements regarding   maintenance of state financial support under 20 U.S.C. Section   1412(a)(18) and maintenance of local financial support under   applicable federal law.          (b)  For the 2026-2027 school year, the commissioner shall   determine the formulas through which school districts receive   funding under Sections 48.102 and 48.1021. In determining the   formulas, the commissioner shall ensure the estimated statewide   amount provided by the sum of the allotments under Sections 48.102   and 48.1021 for the 2026-2027 school year is approximately $250   million greater than the amount that would have been provided under   the allotment under Section 48.102, as that section existed on   September 1, 2025, for that school year, calculating both amounts   using the basic allotment in effect for the 2026-2027 school year.          (c)  Each school district and open-enrollment charter school   shall report to the agency information necessary to implement this   section.          (d)  The agency shall provide technical assistance to school   districts and open-enrollment charter schools to ensure a   successful transition in funding formulas for special education.          (e)  This section expires September 1, 2028.          SECTION 4.56.  Sections 48.103(b), (c), and (d), Education   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  A school district is entitled to an allotment under   Subsection (a) only for a student who:                (1)  is receiving:                      (A)  instruction, services, or accommodations for   dyslexia or a related disorder in accordance with[:                      [(A)]  an individualized education program   developed for the student under Section 29.005; or                      (B)  accommodations for dyslexia or a related   disorder in accordance with a plan developed for the student under   Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794); or                (2)  [is receiving instruction that:                      [(A)  meets applicable dyslexia program criteria   established by the State Board of Education; and                      [(B)  is provided by a person with specific   training in providing that instruction; or                [(3)]  is permitted, on the basis of having dyslexia or   a related disorder, to use modifications in the classroom or   accommodations in the administration of assessment instruments   under Section 39.023 without a program or plan described by   Subdivision (1).          (c)  A school district may receive funding for a student   under each provision of this section, [and] Section 48.102, and   Section 48.1021 for which [if] the student qualifies [satisfies the   requirements of both sections].          (d)  A school district may use [an amount not to exceed 20   percent of] the allotment provided for a qualifying student under   this section to contract with a private provider to provide   supplemental academic services to the student that are recommended   under the student's program or plan described by Subsection (b).  A   student may not be excused from school to receive supplemental   academic services provided under this subsection.          SECTION 4.57.  Section 48.110(d), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (d)  For each annual graduate in a cohort described by   Subsection (b) who demonstrates college, career, or military   readiness as described by Subsection (f) in excess of the minimum   number of students determined for the applicable district cohort   under Subsection (c), a school district is entitled to an annual   outcomes bonus of:                (1)  if the annual graduate is educationally   disadvantaged, $5,000;                (2)  if the annual graduate is not educationally   disadvantaged, $3,000; and                (3)  if the annual graduate is enrolled in a special   education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, $4,000 [$2,000],   regardless of whether the annual graduate is educationally   disadvantaged.          SECTION 4.58.  Section 48.151(g), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (g)  A school district or county that provides special   transportation services for eligible special education students is   entitled to a state allocation at a [paid on a previous year's   cost-per-mile basis. The] rate per mile equal to the sum of the   rate per mile set under Subsection (c) and $0.13, or a greater   amount provided [allowable shall be set] by appropriation [based on   data gathered from the first year of each preceding biennium].   Districts may use a portion of their support allocation to pay   transportation costs, if necessary. The commissioner may grant an   amount set by appropriation for private transportation to reimburse   parents or their agents for transporting eligible special education   students. The mileage allowed shall be computed along the shortest   public road from the student's home to school and back, morning and   afternoon. The need for this type of transportation shall be   determined on an individual basis and shall be approved only in   extreme hardship cases.          SECTION 4.59.  Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.159 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.159.  SPECIAL EDUCATION FULL INDIVIDUAL AND INITIAL   EVALUATION. For each child for whom a school district conducts a   full individual and initial evaluation under Section 29.004 or 20   U.S.C. Section 1414(a)(1), the district is entitled to an allotment   of $1,000 or a greater amount provided by appropriation.          SECTION 4.60.  Section 48.265(a), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  If [Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if] the   commissioner determines that the amount appropriated for the   purposes of the Foundation School Program exceeds the amount to   which school districts are entitled under this chapter, the   commissioner may provide [by rule shall establish a grant program   through which excess funds are awarded as] grants using the excess   money for the purchase of video equipment, or for the reimbursement   of costs for previously purchased video equipment, used for   monitoring special education classrooms or other special education   settings required under Section 29.022.          SECTION 4.61.  Section 48.279(e), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (e)  After the commissioner has replaced any withheld   federal funds as provided by Subsection (d), the commissioner shall   distribute the remaining amount, if any, of funds described by   Subsection (a) to proportionately increase funding for the special   education allotment under Section 48.102 and the special education   service group allotment under Section 48.1021.          SECTION 4.62.  Subchapter G, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 48.304 and 48.315 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.304.  DAY PLACEMENT PROGRAM OR COOPERATIVE FUNDING.   (a) For each qualifying day placement program or cooperative that a   regional education service center, school district, or   open-enrollment charter school establishes, the program or   cooperative is entitled to an allotment of:                (1)  $250,000 for the first year of the program's or   cooperative's operation; and                (2)  the sum of:                      (A)  $100,000 for each year of the program's or   cooperative's operation after the first year; and                      (B)  $150,000 if at least three students are   enrolled in the program or cooperative for a year described by   Paragraph (A).          (b)  A day placement program or cooperative qualifies for   purposes of Subsection (a) if:                (1)  the program or cooperative complies with   commissioner rules adopted for purposes of this section under   Section 48.004;                (2)  the program or cooperative offers services to   students who are enrolled at any school district or open-enrollment   charter school in the county in which the program or cooperative is   offered, unless the commissioner by rule waives or modifies the   requirement under this subdivision for the program or cooperative   to serve all students in a county; and                (3)  the agency has designated the program or   cooperative for service in the county in which the program or   cooperative is offered and determined that, at the time of   designation, the program or cooperative increases the availability   of day placement services in the county.          (c)  The agency may not designate more than one day placement   program or cooperative for service per county each year.          (d)  The agency may designate a regional education service   center to implement and administer this section.          (e)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section,   the agency may not provide an allotment under this section to more   than 20 day placement programs or cooperatives for a year.          Sec. 48.315.  FUNDING FOR REGIONAL DAY SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR   THE DEAF. (a)  The program administrator or fiscal agent of a   regional day school program for the deaf is entitled to receive for   each school year an allotment of $6,925, or a greater amount   provided by appropriation, for each student receiving services from   the program.          (b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the agency shall adjust   the amount of an allotment under that subsection for a school year   to ensure the total amount of allotments provided under that   subsection is at least $35 million for that school year.          SECTION 4.63.  The following provisions of the Education   Code are repealed:                (1)  Section 7.055(b)(24);                (2)  Sections 7.102(c)(18), (19), (20), (21), and (22);                (3)  Section 29.002;                (4)  Section 29.0041(c);                (5)  Section 29.005(f);                (6)  Section 29.0161;                (7)  Sections 29.308, 29.309, 29.311, 30.001, and   30.0015;                (8)  Sections 30.002(c-1), (c-2), (f), (f-1), and (g);                (9)  Section 30.084;                (10)  Section 30.087(b); and                (11)  Section 38.003(d).          SECTION 4.64.  The commissioner of education shall award a   grant under Subchapter A-1, Chapter 29, Education Code, as amended   by this article, for the 2025-2026 school year to each eligible   applicant who applied but was not accepted for the 2024-2025 school   year.          SECTION 4.65.  To the extent of any conflict between the   changes made to the Education Code by this article and the changes   made to the Education Code by another Act of the 89th Legislature,   Regular Session, 2025, the changes made by this article prevail.          SECTION 4.66.  Sections 8.051(d), 29.008, 29.014(c) and (d),   and 29.018(b), Education Code, as amended by this article, apply   beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.          SECTION 4.67.  (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) or   (c) of this section, this article takes effect immediately if this   Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each   house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.   If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate   effect, this article takes effect September 1, 2025.          (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c) of this section,   the amendments made by this article to Chapter 48, Education Code,   take effect September 1, 2025.          (c)  Sections 48.009(b), 48.102, 48.103(b), (c), and (d),   and 48.279(e), Education Code, as amended by this article, and   Sections 48.1021 and 48.1022, Education Code, as added by this   article, take effect September 1, 2026.   ARTICLE 5. MEASURES TO SUPPORT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION          SECTION 5.01.  Section 12.104(b), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  An open-enrollment charter school is subject to:                (1)  a provision of this title establishing a criminal   offense;                (2)  the provisions in Chapter 554, Government Code;   and                (3)  a prohibition, restriction, or requirement, as   applicable, imposed by this title or a rule adopted under this   title, relating to:                      (A)  the Public Education Information Management   System (PEIMS) to the extent necessary to monitor compliance with   this subchapter as determined by the agency [commissioner];                      (B)  criminal history records under Subchapter C,   Chapter 22;                      (C)  reading and mathematics instruments and   reading interventions [accelerated reading instruction programs]   under Sections [Section] 28.006, 28.0063, and 28.0064;                      (D)  accelerated instruction under Section   28.0211;                      (E)  high school graduation requirements under   Section 28.025;                      (F)  special education programs under Subchapter   A, Chapter 29;                      (G)  bilingual education under Subchapter B,   Chapter 29;                      (H)  prekindergarten programs under Subchapter E   or E-1, Chapter 29, except class size limits for prekindergarten   classes imposed under Section 25.112, which do not apply;                      (I)  extracurricular activities under Section   33.081;                      (J)  discipline management practices or behavior   management techniques under Section 37.0021;                      (K)  health and safety under Chapter 38;                      (L)  the provisions of Subchapter A, Chapter 39;                      (M)  public school accountability and special   investigations under Subchapters A, B, C, D, F, G, and J, Chapter   39, and Chapter 39A;                      (N)  the requirement under Section 21.006 to   report an educator's misconduct;                      (O)  intensive programs of instruction under   Section 28.0213;                      (P)  the right of a school employee to report a   crime, as provided by Section 37.148;                      (Q)  bullying prevention policies and procedures   under Section 37.0832;                      (R)  the right of a school under Section 37.0052   to place a student who has engaged in certain bullying behavior in a   disciplinary alternative education program or to expel the student;                      (S)  the right under Section 37.0151 to report to   local law enforcement certain conduct constituting assault or   harassment;                      (T)  a parent's right to information regarding the   provision of assistance for learning difficulties to the parent's   child as provided by Sections 26.004(b)(11) and 26.0081(c) and (d);                      (U)  establishment of residency under Section   25.001;                      (V)  school safety requirements under Sections   37.0814, 37.108, 37.1081, 37.1082, 37.1083, 37.1084, 37.1085,   37.1086, 37.109, 37.113, 37.114, 37.1141, 37.115, 37.207, and   37.2071 and Subchapter J, Chapter 37;                      (W)  the early childhood literacy and mathematics   proficiency plans under Section 11.185;                      (X)  the college, career, and military readiness   plans under Section 11.186; and                      (Y)  parental options to retain a student under   Section 28.02124.          SECTION 5.02.  The heading to Section 21.4552, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 21.4552.  TEACHER LITERACY ACHIEVEMENT AND READING   INTERVENTION ACADEMIES.          SECTION 5.03.  Section 21.4552, Education Code, is amended   by amending Subsections (b) and (d) and adding Subsections (d-1),   (g), (h), and (i) to read as follows:          (b)  A literacy achievement academy developed under this   section:                (1)  for teachers who provide reading instruction to   students at the kindergarten or first, second, or third grade   level:                      (A)  must include training in:                            (i)  effective and systematic instructional   practices in reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics,   fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; and                            (ii)  the use of empirically validated   instructional methods that are appropriate for struggling readers;   and                      (B)  may include training in effective   instructional practices in writing;                (2)  for teachers who provide reading instruction to   students at the fourth or fifth grade level:                      (A)  must include effective instructional   practices that promote student development of reading   comprehension and inferential and critical thinking;                      (B)  must provide training in the use of   empirically validated instructional methods that are appropriate   for struggling readers; and                      (C)  may include material on writing instruction;                (3)  for teachers who provide reading instruction to   students at the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade level, must include   training in:                      (A)  strategies to be implemented in English   language arts and other subject areas for multisyllable word   reading, vocabulary development, and comprehension of expository   and narrative text;                      (B)  an adaptation framework that enables   teachers to respond to differing student strengths and needs,   including adaptations for students of limited English proficiency   or students receiving special education services under Subchapter   A, Chapter 29;                      (C)  collaborative strategies to increase active   student involvement and motivation to read; and                      (D)  other areas identified by the commissioner as   essential components of reading instruction; and                (4)  [for teachers who provide reading instruction to   students at the seventh or eighth grade level, must include   training in:                      [(A)  administration of the reading instrument   required by Section 28.006(c-1); and                      [(B)  interpretation of the results of the reading   instrument required by Section 28.006(c-1) and strategies, based on   scientific research regarding effective reading instruction, for   long-term intensive intervention to target identified student   needs in word recognition, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension;   and                [(5)]  for teachers who provide instruction in   mathematics, science, or social studies to students at the sixth,   seventh, or eighth grade level, must include training in:                      (A)  strategies for incorporating reading   instruction into the curriculum for the subject area taught by the   teacher; and                      (B)  other areas identified by the commissioner.          (d)  Except as provided by Subsection (d-1), from funds   provided under Section 48.108 or other available [From] funds   [appropriated for that purpose], a classroom teacher who provides   instruction to students in kindergarten through third grade and   completes [attends] a literacy achievement academy is entitled to   receive a stipend from the school district in the amount determined   by the commissioner. From funds appropriated for that purpose, a   district may provide a stipend to a classroom teacher who provides   instruction to students in a grade level above third grade. A   stipend received under this subsection is not considered in   determining whether a school district is paying the classroom   teacher the minimum monthly salary under Section 21.402.          (d-1)  A school district is not required to provide a stipend   under Subsection (d) to a classroom teacher if the teacher:                (1)  attends the literacy achievement academy as part   of an educator preparation program in which the teacher is   enrolled;                (2)  attends the literacy achievement academy on a day   or during hours of service included in the term of the teacher's   contract; or                (3)  is not directed or approved by the school district   at which the teacher is employed to attend the literacy achievement   academy.          (g)  The agency shall develop a method for evaluating a   literacy achievement academy to determine the effectiveness of the   academy, including whether the academy improves teaching practices   and student literacy proficiency.  A school district or   open-enrollment charter school shall provide any information   requested by the agency for purposes of evaluating literacy   achievement academies under this subsection.          (h)  In addition to the literacy achievement academies   developed under Subsection (a), the commissioner shall develop and   make available reading intervention academies for teachers or other   professionals who provide reading interventions to students who   require targeted instruction in foundational reading skills.          (i)  The commissioner may establish an advisory board to   assist the agency in fulfilling the agency's duties under this   section. A recommendation of the advisory board shall be made   available to the public. Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not   apply to an advisory board established under this subsection.          SECTION 5.04.  The heading to Section 21.4553, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 21.4553.  TEACHER MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT AND   INTERVENTIONIST ACADEMIES.          SECTION 5.05.  Section 21.4553, Education Code, is amended   by amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsections (d-1), (g), (h),   and (i) to read as follows:          (d)  Except as provided by Subsection (d-1), from funds   provided under Section 48.108 or other available [From] funds   [appropriated for that purpose], a classroom teacher who completes    [attends] a mathematics achievement academy is entitled to receive   a stipend from the school district in the amount determined by the   commissioner.  A stipend received under this subsection is not   considered in determining whether a district is paying the   classroom teacher the minimum monthly salary under Section 21.402.          (d-1)  A school district is not required to provide a stipend   under Subsection (d) to a classroom teacher if the teacher:                (1)  attends the mathematics achievement academy as   part of an educator preparation program in which the teacher is   enrolled;                (2)  attends the mathematics achievement academy on a   day or during hours of service included in the term of the teacher's   contract; or                (3)  is not directed or approved by the school district   at which the teacher is employed to attend the mathematics   achievement academy.          (g)  The agency shall develop a method for evaluating a   mathematics achievement academy to determine the effectiveness of   the academy, including whether the academy improves teaching   practices and student math proficiency.  A school district or   open-enrollment charter school shall provide any information   requested by the agency for purposes of evaluating mathematics   achievement academies under this subsection.          (h)  In addition to the mathematics achievement academies   developed under Subsection (a), the commissioner shall develop and   make available mathematics interventionist academies for a teacher   or other professional who provides mathematics interventions to   students who require targeted instruction in foundational   mathematics skills.          (i)  The commissioner may establish an advisory board to   assist the agency in fulfilling the agency's duties under this   section. A recommendation of the advisory board shall be made   available to the public. Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not   apply to an advisory board established under this subsection.          SECTION 5.06.  Subchapter C, Chapter 25, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 25.0816 to read as follows:          Sec. 25.0816.  ADDITIONAL DAYS SCHOOL YEAR PLANNING GRANT   PROGRAM. (a) From money appropriated or otherwise available for   the purpose, the agency shall establish and administer a grant   program to provide funding and technical assistance to school   districts and open-enrollment charter schools to plan the school   year and adjust operations as necessary to qualify for the   incentive funding under Section 48.0051.          (b)  In awarding grants under the program, the agency shall   prioritize school districts and open-enrollment charter schools   that seek to maximize incentive funding under Section 48.0051.          (c)  The agency may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and   donations for purposes of this section.          SECTION 5.07.  Section 25.085(d), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (d)  Unless specifically exempted by Section 25.086, a   student enrolled in a school district must attend:                (1)  an extended-year program for which the student is   eligible that is provided by the district for students identified   as likely not to be promoted to the next grade level or tutorial   classes required by the district under Section 29.084;                (2)  a reading intervention program [an accelerated   reading instruction program] to which the student is assigned under   Section 28.0064 [28.006(g)];                (3)  an accelerated instruction program to which the   student is assigned under Section 28.0211;                (4)  a basic skills program to which the student is   assigned under Section 29.086; or                (5)  a summer program provided under Section 37.008(l)   or Section 37.021.          SECTION 5.08.  The heading to Section 28.006, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 28.006.  KINDERGARTEN READING READINESS [DIAGNOSIS].          SECTION 5.09.  Section 28.006, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (a), (b), (b-1), (c-2), (c-3), (d), (f), and   (h) and adding Subsection (n) to read as follows:          (a)  The commissioner shall develop recommendations for   school districts for:                (1)  administering reading instruments to measure   students' foundational literacy skills in [diagnose student]   reading development and comprehension;                (2)  training educators in administering the reading   instruments; and                (3)  applying the results of the reading instruments to   the instructional program.          (b)  The commissioner shall adopt a [list of] reading   instrument [instruments] that a school district shall [may] use at   the beginning of the school year to measure a kindergarten   student's foundational literacy skills in [diagnose student]   reading development and comprehension.  A reading instrument   adopted under this subsection may include other developmental   skills as part of [For use in diagnosing the reading development and   comprehension of kindergarten students, the commissioner shall   adopt] a multidimensional assessment tool [that includes a reading   instrument and tests at least three developmental skills, including   literacy.  A multidimensional assessment tool administered as   provided by this subsection is considered to be a reading   instrument for purposes of this section.  A district-level   committee established under Subchapter F, Chapter 11, may adopt a   list of reading instruments for use in the district in a grade level   other than kindergarten in addition to the reading instruments on   the commissioner's list].  A [Each] reading instrument adopted by   the commissioner [or a district-level committee] must be based on   scientific research concerning foundational literacy skills in   reading [skills] development and [reading] comprehension and[.  A   list of reading instruments adopted under this subsection must]   provide for measuring [diagnosing] the foundational literacy   skills in reading development and comprehension of students,   including students participating in a program under Subchapter B,   Chapter 29.          (b-1)  The commissioner may approve not more than two [an]   alternative reading instruments [instrument] for use in measuring    [diagnosing] the foundational literacy skills in reading   development and comprehension of kindergarten students that   complies with the requirements under Subsection (b).          (c-2)  Not later than the 60th day after the beginning of the   school year, each [Each] school district shall administer at the   kindergarten level a reading instrument adopted by the commissioner   under Subsection (b) or approved by the commissioner under   Subsection (b-1).  The district shall administer the reading   instrument in accordance with the commissioner's recommendations   under Subsection (a)(1) and policies developed by commissioner   rule.          (c-3)  The commissioner by rule shall determine the   performance on a [the] reading instrument adopted or approved under   this section [Subsection (b)] that indicates kindergarten   readiness.  Each reading instrument adopted or approved under this   section must provide for the ability to compare the performance   that indicates kindergarten readiness on that instrument with the   performance that indicates kindergarten readiness on other   instruments adopted or approved under this section.          (d)  The superintendent of each school district shall:                (1)  report to the commissioner and the board of   trustees of the district at a public meeting of the board the   results of a [the] reading instrument administered to students   under this section [instruments];                (2)  not later than the earlier of the 20th school day   or the 30th [60th] calendar day after the date on which the results   of a reading instrument are available, [was administered] report,   in writing or electronically, to a student's parent or guardian the   student's results on the instrument; and                (3)  using the school readiness certification system   provided to the school district in accordance with Section   29.161(e), report electronically each student's raw score on the   reading instrument to the agency for use in the school readiness   certification system.          (f)  The agency shall ensure [at least one] reading   instruments adopted or approved [instrument for each grade level   for which a reading instrument is required to be administered]   under this section are [is] available to school districts at no   cost.          (h)  The school district shall make a good faith effort to   ensure that the report [notice] required under Subsection (d)(2)   [this section] is provided either in person or electronically [by   regular mail] and that the report [notice] is clear and easy to   understand and is written in English and in the parent or guardian's   native language.          (n)  Nothing in this section may be construed to circumvent   or supplant federal or state law regarding a student who   participates in a special education program under Subchapter A,   Chapter 29, or a student who is suspected to have a disability and   who may be eligible to participate in a special education program   under that subchapter.          SECTION 5.10.  Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 28.0063, 28.0064, 28.0065, and 28.0071   to read as follows:          Sec. 28.0063.  EARLY LITERACY AND NUMERACY INSTRUMENTS. (a)     The commissioner shall adopt a list of reading and mathematics   instruments approved or developed by the commissioner for use by   school districts in kindergarten through grade three to measure   students' foundational literacy skills in reading development and   comprehension and foundational numeracy skills in mathematics.          (b)  A reading or mathematics instrument adopted under   Subsection (a) must:                (1)  be based on scientific research concerning, as   applicable:                      (A)  foundational literacy skills in reading   development and comprehension; or                      (B)  foundational numeracy skills in mathematics;                (2)  be capable of being administered at the beginning,   middle, and end of the school year;                (3)  be designed to assess the performance of students   in, as applicable:                      (A)  the foundational literacy skills components   of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002   for language arts; or                      (B)  the foundational numeracy skills components   of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002   for mathematics;                (4)  be capable of monitoring student progress in a   manner that allows school district staff to identify specific   foundational literacy or numeracy skills in need of targeted   instruction;                (5)  assess whether a student's skills identified as in   need of targeted instruction indicate that the student is at risk,   as determined by the agency, of not achieving satisfactory   performance on the third grade reading or mathematics assessment   administered under Section 39.023;                (6)  for a reading instrument for students in   kindergarten and first grade, include the applicable elements and   criteria to serve as the required screenings for dyslexia and   related disorders under Section 38.003; and                (7)  for a reading instrument, allow a school district   to generate a report regarding a student's reading progress,   including progress from previous administrations of the same   instrument, that is clear and easy to understand that may be   distributed to the student's parent in English, Spanish, or, to the   extent practicable, any other language spoken by the parent.          (c)  The commissioner shall:                (1)  update the list of reading and mathematics   instruments adopted under Subsection (a) not less than once every   four years;                (2)  ensure the list adopted under Subsection (a)   includes multiple reading and mathematics instruments;                (3)  develop a process by which a school district may   submit an instrument to the commissioner for approval; and                (4)  make publicly available the criteria for the   evaluation and approval of an instrument submitted to the   commissioner.          (d)  The instruments adopted or approved under this section   shall be administered as follows:                (1)  for kindergarten, at the middle and end of the   school year;                (2)  for first and second grade, at the beginning,   middle, and end of the school year; and                (3)  for third grade, at the beginning and middle of the   school year.          (e)  The commissioner shall align and determine   comparability of the instruments administered under this section   with the following instruments:                (1)  an instrument adopted or approved under Section   28.006 that is administered to a kindergarten student at the   beginning of the school year; and                (2)  a third grade assessment instrument adopted or   developed under Section 39.023 that is administered at the end of   the school year for a third grade student.          (f)  If the commissioner determines that an interim   assessment instrument adopted under Section 39.023(o) provides the   same intended outcomes as an instrument adopted or approved under   this section, the commissioner may substitute that interim   assessment instrument for an instrument adopted or approved under   this section.          (g)  A school district shall administer to students in   kindergarten through third grade a reading instrument and a   mathematics instrument adopted under Subsection (a) in accordance   with requirements and recommendations established by the   commissioner under this section, including requirements or   recommendations related to:                (1)  administering the instruments;                (2)  training staff on the instruments; and                (3)  applying the results of the instruments to the   district's instructional program.          (h)  The superintendent of each school district shall:                (1)  report to the commissioner and the board of   trustees of the district at a public meeting of the board the   results of a reading or mathematics instrument administered to   students under this section; and                (2)  not later than the earlier of the 20th school day   or the 30th calendar day after the date on which the results of a   reading or mathematics instrument are available, report, in writing   or electronically, to a student's parent or guardian:                      (A)  the student's results on the instrument;                      (B)  for a reading instrument, the report   described by Subsection (b)(7); and                      (C)  if the student is determined to be at risk for   dyslexia or a related disorder based on the results of the reading   instrument, information regarding that determination.          (i)  The agency shall establish a list of reading and   mathematics instruments adopted under Subsection (a) for which the   agency has negotiated a price.  A school district is not required to   use a method provided by Section 44.031 to purchase an instrument on   the list established under this subsection.          (j)  A student's parent or guardian may submit a written   request to the administrator of the campus at which the student is   enrolled to opt the student out of the administration of a reading   or mathematics instrument required under this section.  A school   district may not encourage or direct a parent or guardian to submit   a written request under this subsection.          (k)  The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to   implement this section.          (l)  Section 2001.0045, Government Code, does not apply to a   rule adopted under this section.          (m)  A school district may comply with the requirements of   Subsection (g) by administering a reading or mathematics instrument   selected by the board of trustees of the school district that meets   the requirements of Subsection (b) until the commissioner adopts   the list of reading and mathematics instruments under Subsection   (a).  This subsection expires September 1, 2029.          Sec. 28.0064.  EARLY LITERACY INTERVENTION FOR CERTAIN   STUDENTS. (a)  If a student's results on two consecutive reading   instruments administered under Section 28.0063 indicate that the   student is at risk, as determined by the agency, of not achieving   satisfactory performance in foundational literacy, a school   district shall, as soon as practicable following the receipt of the   student's results, provide reading interventions to the student.          (b)  Reading interventions provided under Subsection (a)   must:                (1)  include targeted instruction in the foundational   literacy skills identified as areas in need of targeted instruction   by the reading instrument administered under Section 28.0063;                (2)  ensure that the student receives the interventions   during a period and at a frequency sufficient to address the areas   described by Subdivision (1);                (3)  include effective instructional materials   designed for reading intervention;                (4)  be provided by a person:                      (A)  with training in reading interventions and in   the applicable instructional materials described by Subdivision   (3); and                      (B)  under the oversight of the school district;                (5)  to the extent possible, be provided by one person   for the entirety of the student's reading intervention period; and                (6)  meet any additional requirements adopted by the   commissioner.          (c)  A school district shall continue providing reading   intervention to a student under this section until the earlier of   the date on which:                (1)  the student is no longer determined to be at risk,   as determined by the agency, of not achieving satisfactory   performance in foundational literacy on a reading instrument   administered under Section 28.0063; or                (2)  the student begins the fourth grade.          (d)  In providing reading interventions under this section,   a school district may not remove a student, except under   circumstances for which a student enrolled in the same grade level   who is not receiving reading interventions would be removed, from:                (1)  instruction in the foundation curriculum and   enrichment curriculum adopted under Section 28.002 for the grade   level in which the student is enrolled; or                (2)  recess or other physical activity that is   available to other students enrolled in the same grade level.          (e)  The agency shall approve one or more products that use   an automated, computerized, or other augmented method for providing   reading interventions.  The agency may approve a product under this   subsection only if evidence indicates that the product is effective   at promoting mastery of foundational literacy skills.          (f)  Subject to appropriation, the agency shall ensure that   at least one product approved under Subsection (e) is available to   school districts at no or reduced cost.          (g)  A student's parent or guardian may submit a written   request to the administrator of the campus at which the student is   enrolled to opt the student out of all or part of the reading   intervention requirements under Subsection (b).  A school district   may not encourage or direct a parent or guardian to submit a written   request under this subsection that would allow the district to not   provide reading interventions to the student.          (h)  A school district must provide to the parent or guardian   of a student receiving reading interventions under this section the   notice required under Section 26.0081(d).          (i)  Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent or   discourage reading interventions for a student whose results on a   reading instrument administered under Section 28.0063 indicate   that the student is at risk, as determined by the agency, of not   achieving satisfactory performance in foundational literacy.          (j)  Nothing in this section may be construed to circumvent   or supplant federal or state law regarding a student who   participates in a special education program under Subchapter A,   Chapter 29, or a student who is suspected to have a disability and   who may be eligible to participate in a special education program   under that subchapter.          (k)  The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to   implement this section, including rules that define appropriate   standards for implementing reading interventions that meet the   requirements of Subsection (b).          (l)  Section 2001.0045, Government Code, does not apply to a   rule adopted under this section.          (m)  A school district is not required to comply with the   requirements of this section until the commissioner adopts a list   of reading and mathematics instruments under Section 28.0063 and   designates the first school year that districts must comply with   this section.  This subsection expires September 1, 2029.          Sec. 28.0065.  ADAPTIVE VOCABULARY PILOT PROGRAM. (a)  The   agency shall develop and implement an adaptive vocabulary   assessment pilot program to assess vocabulary development in   students in kindergarten through third grade.          (b)  The agency may develop an assessment under the pilot   program to assess students in grades other than grades described by   Subsection (a).          (c)  Nothing in this section may be construed to circumvent   or supplant federal or state law regarding a student who   participates in a special education program under Subchapter A,   Chapter 29, or a student who is suspected to have a disability and   who may be eligible to participate in a special education program   under that subchapter.          (d)  The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to   implement this section.          Sec. 28.0071.  MATHEMATICS TRAINING FOR KINDERGARTEN   THROUGH THIRD GRADE. (a)  Each school district and open-enrollment   charter school shall ensure that:                (1)  not later than the 2030-2031 school year, each   classroom teacher that provides instruction in mathematics to   students in kindergarten through third grade and each principal,   assistant principal, mathematics instructional coach, and   mathematics interventionist at a campus with one of those grade   levels has attended a teacher mathematics achievement academy   developed under Section 21.4553; and                (2)  each classroom teacher and principal initially   employed in a grade level or at a campus described by Subdivision   (1) for the 2030-2031 school year or a subsequent school year has   attended a teacher mathematics achievement academy developed under   Section 21.4553 by the end of the teacher's or principal's first   year of placement in that grade level or campus.          (b)  The agency shall provide assistance to school districts   and open-enrollment charter schools in complying with the   requirements under this section.          (c)  The agency shall:                (1)  monitor the implementation of this section; and                (2)  periodically report to the legislature on the   implementation of this section and the effectiveness of this   section in improving educational outcomes.          (d)  The commissioner may adopt rules to implement this   section.          SECTION 5.11.  Subchapter B, Chapter 28, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 28.02111 to read as follows:          Sec. 28.02111.  FIRST THROUGH THIRD GRADE SUPPLEMENTARY   SUPPORTS. (a) The commissioner shall establish and administer a   program designed to help improve student proficiency in reading by   providing a grant in an amount provided under Section 48.317   through which the student's parent may purchase tutoring services   from agency-approved providers to:                (1)  a student at or below the third grade level who,   beginning in the first grade, is required to be provided reading   interventions under Section 28.0064; and                (2)  a student who is required to be provided   accelerated instruction under Section 28.0211(a-1) based on the   student's third grade performance.          (b)  The agency shall approve as a provider of tutoring   services under this section a classroom teacher employed by a   school district or open-enrollment charter school who:                (1)  holds a current teacher designation under Section   21.3521; and                (2)  submits the teacher's name to the agency to offer   tutoring services designed to help improve student proficiency in   reading.          (c)  The agency shall:                (1)  maintain a system of online accounts under which   each student described by Subsection (a) is assigned an account for   the student's parent to access the grant described by Subsection   (a); and                (2)  implement the program in a manner that ensures:                      (A)  ease of use for parents of students who are   eligible for a grant under this section;                      (B)  fidelity of spending; and                      (C)  a parent of a student awarded a grant under   this section is provided a period of one year from the date on which   the grant is awarded to obtain services for which grant money may be   used.          (d)  A student may not receive more than one grant under   Subsection (a)(1) and one grant under Subsection (a)(2) unless the   legislature provides for additional grants by appropriation.          (e)  The agency may reserve from the total amount of money   available for purposes of the program an amount, not to exceed five   percent of the total amount, to cover the agency's cost of   administering the program.          (f)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school in   which a student who receives a grant under this section is enrolled   remains subject to the requirements to provide reading   interventions under Section 28.0064 and accelerated instruction   under Section 28.0211, as applicable.          (g)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   shall provide to the parent of a student described by Subsection (a)   notice of the student's eligibility for a grant under this section,   in a form and manner established by the agency.          (h)  A decision by the commissioner regarding the program   under this section is final and may not be appealed.          (i)  The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to   implement this section.          SECTION 5.12.  Section 29.0031, Education Code, is amended   by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:          (e)  A school district shall notify the parent of a student   identified with dyslexia or a related disorder of the Talking Book   Program administered by the Texas State Library and Archives   Commission and other available audio book services.          SECTION 5.13.  Section 29.153, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (b) and (g) and adding Subsections (g-1), (h),   and (i) to read as follows:          (b)  A child is eligible for enrollment in a prekindergarten   class under this section if the child is at least three years of age   and:                (1)  is unable to speak and comprehend the English   language;                (2)  is educationally disadvantaged;                (3)  is homeless, regardless of the residence of the   child, of either parent of the child, or of the child's guardian or   other person having lawful control of the child;                (4)  is the child of an active duty member of the armed   forces of the United States, including the state military forces or   a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active   duty by proper authority;                (5)  is the child of a member of the armed forces of the   United States, including the state military forces or a reserve   component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while   serving on active duty;                (6)  is or ever has been in:                      (A)  the conservatorship of the Department of   Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held   as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or                      (B)  foster care in another state or territory, if   the child resides in this state; [or]                (7)  is the child of a person eligible for the Star of   Texas Award as:                      (A)  a peace officer under Section 3106.002,   Government Code;                      (B)  a firefighter under Section 3106.003,   Government Code; or                      (C)  an emergency medical first responder under   Section 3106.004, Government Code; or                (8)  is the child of a person employed as a classroom   teacher at a public primary or secondary school in the school   district that offers a prekindergarten class under this section.          (g)  Before a school district or open-enrollment charter   school may construct, repurpose, or lease a classroom facility, or   issue bonds for the construction or repurposing of a classroom   facility, to provide the prekindergarten classes required under   this section, the district or school must:                (1)  solicit and consider proposals for partnerships to   provide those classes with community-based child-care providers   who:                      (A) [(1)]  are a Texas Rising Star Program   provider with a three-star certification or higher;                      (B) [(2)]  are nationally accredited;                      (C) [(3)]  are a Head Start program provider;                      (D) [(4)]  are a Texas School Ready! participant;   or                      (E) [(5)]  meet the requirements under Section   29.1532; and                (2)  have received an official determination from a   prekindergarten partnership intermediary designated under   Subsection (g-1) that the providers from which the district or   school has considered proposals under Subdivision (1) are unable to   serve the students for whom the district or school plans to provide   prekindergarten classes in the classroom facility to be   constructed, repurposed, or leased.          (g-1)  The commissioner shall designate at least four   appropriate entities as prekindergarten partnership intermediaries   to develop partnerships between school districts and   open-enrollment charter schools and private prekindergarten   providers. The agency shall develop guidelines for use by the   prekindergarten partnership intermediaries regarding successful   prekindergarten partnerships between school districts and   open-enrollment charter schools and private prekindergarten   providers.          (h)  Notwithstanding any other law, a facility or location at   which prekindergarten classes are provided by a school district or   open-enrollment charter school in partnership with a private entity   under this section:                (1)  must comply with any municipal ordinance   applicable to the operation of a private prekindergarten program;   and                (2)  may not be required to comply with any municipal   ordinance applicable to the operation of a prekindergarten program   by a school district or open-enrollment charter school.          (i)  A partnership entered into between a school district or   open-enrollment charter school and a private provider for a   prekindergarten class under this section must provide for the   provider to receive funding for each district or school student   enrolled in the class in an amount that is not less than 85 percent   of the amount of funding that the district or school receives for   the student. Notwithstanding Section 7.056(e)(3)(I), the   commissioner may waive the requirement under this subsection on   request by a school district or open-enrollment charter school in   accordance with Section 7.056.          SECTION 5.14.  Section 29.1531, Education Code, is amended   by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsections (c) and   (d) to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), a [A] school   district may offer on a tuition basis or use district funds to   provide:                (1)  an additional half-day of prekindergarten classes   to children who are eligible for classes under Section 29.153 and   are under four years of age; and                (2)  half-day and full-day prekindergarten classes to   children not eligible for classes under Section 29.153.          (b)  A district that offers a prekindergarten program on a   tuition basis[:                [(1)]  may not adopt a tuition rate for the program that   is higher than necessary to cover the added costs of providing the   program, including any costs associated with collecting,   reporting, and analyzing data under Section 29.1532(c)[; and                [(2)  must submit the proposed tuition rate to the   commissioner for approval].          (c)  A school district may offer a prekindergarten program on   a tuition basis only if the district has received an official   determination from a prekindergarten partnership intermediary   designated under Section 29.153(g-1) that no private   prekindergarten providers that meet the qualifications of Section   29.153(g)(1)(A), (B), (C), or (D) are available to serve the   students for whom the district plans to charge tuition.          (d)  The commissioner may adopt rules under this section,   including rules establishing the manner in which a prekindergarten   partnership intermediary may determine whether a private   prekindergarten provider is available.          SECTION 5.15.  Section 29.1543, Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 29.1543.  EARLY EDUCATION REPORTS.  (a) The agency   shall produce and make available to the public on the agency's   Internet website annual district and campus-level reports   containing information from the previous school year on early   education in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.     A report under this section must contain:                (1)  the information required by Section 29.1532(c) to   be reported through the Public Education Information Management   System (PEIMS);                (2)  a description of the [diagnostic] reading   instruments administered in accordance with Section 28.006(c-2)   [28.006(c) or (c-2)];                (3)  the number of students who were administered a   [diagnostic] reading instrument administered in accordance with   Section 28.006(c-2) [28.006(c) or (c-2)];                (4)  the number of students whose scores from a   [diagnostic] reading instrument administered in accordance with   Section 28.006(c-2) [28.006(c) or (c-2)] indicate kindergarten   readiness in reading [proficiency];                (5)  the number of kindergarten students who were   enrolled in a prekindergarten program, including a program offered   through a partnership under Section 29.153, in the previous school   years [year] in the same district or school as the district or   school in which the student attends kindergarten;                (6)  the number and percentage of students who perform   satisfactorily on the third grade reading or mathematics assessment   instrument administered under Section 39.023, disaggregated by   whether the student was eligible for free prekindergarten under   Section 29.153;                (7)  the number of students described by Subdivision   (6) who attended kindergarten in the district, disaggregated by:                      (A)  whether the student met the kindergarten   readiness standard on a [the] reading instrument adopted under   Section 28.006;                      (B)  whether the student attended prekindergarten   in the district, including a program offered through a partnership   under Section 29.153; and                      (C)  the type of prekindergarten the student   attended, if applicable; [and]                (8)  the information described by Subdivisions (6) and   (7) disaggregated by whether the student is educationally   disadvantaged; and                (9)  the number of students identified as having a   vision disorder or other vision problem requiring vision care under   the screening program described by Section 36.004, Health and   Safety Code, disaggregated by:                      (A)  grade level;                      (B)  gender;                      (C)  race;                      (D)  ethnicity;                      (E)  the student's status as educationally   disadvantaged;                      (F)  the number of times the student was   previously identified as having a vision disorder or other vision   problem;                      (G)  the identified vision disorder or problem;   and                      (H)  the type of screening equipment used for the   screening.          (b)  Subject to appropriation or from money otherwise   available for the purpose, the agency shall, in compliance with all   applicable federal and state student privacy laws, acquire and   maintain a third-party data management system to facilitate the   reporting of information under this section.          SECTION 5.16.  Section 29.161(c), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (c)  The system must:                (1)  be reflective of research in the field of early   childhood care and education;                (2)  be well-grounded in the cognitive, social, and   emotional development of young children;                (3)  apply a common set of criteria to each program   provider seeking certification, regardless of the type of program   or source of program funding; and                (4)  be capable of fulfilling the reporting and notice   requirements of Section [Sections] 28.006(d) [and (g)].          SECTION 5.17.  Section 29.167, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (b-1) and (b-3) and adding Subsection (b-4) to   read as follows:          (b-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), each teacher for a   prekindergarten class provided by an entity with which a school   district contracts to provide a prekindergarten program must:                (1)  be certified under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, to   teach prekindergarten or supervised by a person who meets the   requirements under Subsection (b); [and]                (2)  have one of the following qualifications:                      (A)  at least two years' experience of teaching in   a nationally accredited child care program or a Texas Rising Star   Program and:                            (i)  a Child Development Associate (CDA)   credential or another early childhood education credential   approved by the agency; or                            (ii)  certification offered through a   training center accredited by Association Montessori   Internationale or through the Montessori Accreditation Council for   Teacher Education; or                      (B)  a qualification described by Subsection   (b)(2)(A), (D), (E), or (F); and                (3)  when appropriate, be appropriately certified or be   supervised by a person who is appropriately certified to provide   effective instruction to emergent bilingual students, as defined by   Section 29.052, enrolled in the prekindergarten program.          (b-3)  Subsections (b-1), [and] (b-2), and (b-4) and this   subsection expire September 1, 2029.          (b-4)  Subsections (b-1) and (b-2) apply to any   prekindergarten class provided by an entity with which a school   district contracts to provide a prekindergarten program under   Section 29.153.          SECTION 5.18.  Sections 29.934(b) and (d), Education Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (b)  To apply to be designated as a resource campus under   this section, the campus must have received an overall performance   rating under Section 39.054 of D or F, or an overall performance   rating under Section 39.054(a-4)(1) or 39.0546 of "Not Rated," for   three [four] years over a 10-year period of time.          (d)  To be designated as a resource campus, the campus must:                (1)  implement a targeted improvement plan as described   by Chapter 39A and establish a school community partnership team;                (2)  adopt an accelerated campus excellence turnaround   plan as provided by Section 39A.105(b) [except that a classroom   teacher who satisfies the requirements for demonstrated   instructional effectiveness under Section 39A.105(b)(3) must also   hold a current designation assigned under Section 21.3521];                (3)  be in a school district that has adopted an   approved local optional teacher designation system under Section   21.3521;                (4)  satisfy certain staff criteria by:                      (A)  requiring a principal or teacher employed at   the campus before the designation to apply for a position to   continue at the campus;                      (B)  for a subject in the foundation curriculum   under Section 28.002(a)(1):                            (i)  employing only teachers who have at   least two [three] years of teaching experience; and                            (ii)  ensuring that at least 50 percent of   teachers hold a current designation assigned under Section 21.3521;                      (C)  employing at least one school counselor for   every 300 students; and                      (D)  employing at least one appropriately   licensed professional to assist with the social and emotional needs   of students and staff, who must be a:                            (i)  family and community liaison;                            (ii)  clinical social worker;                            (iii)  specialist in school psychology; or                            (iv)  professional counselor;                (5)  implement a positive behavior program as provided   by Section 37.0013;                (6)  implement a family engagement plan as described by   Section 29.168;                (7)  develop and implement a plan to use high quality   instructional materials;                (8)  if the campus is an elementary or middle school    campus, operate the campus for a school year that qualifies for   funding under Section 48.0051; and                (9)  annually submit to the commissioner data and   information required by the commissioner to assess fidelity of   implementation.          SECTION 5.19.  Effective September 1, 2028, Section 29.934,   Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding   Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:          (b)  To apply to be designated as a resource campus under   this section, the campus must have received an overall performance   rating under Section 39.054 of D or F, or an overall performance   rating under Section 39.054(a-4)(1) of "Not Rated," for three   [four] years over a 10-year period of time.          (b-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), a campus may apply to   be designated as a resource campus under this section if the campus   received an overall performance rating under Section 39.054 of D or   F, or an overall performance rating under Section 39.054(a-4)(1) or   former Section 39.0546 of "Not Rated," for three years over a   10-year period of time.  This subsection expires September 1, 2033.          SECTION 5.20.  Section 31.0752, Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 31.0752.  OPEN EDUCATION RESOURCE INSTRUCTIONAL   MATERIAL SUPPORT PROGRAM. (a) The agency shall develop and   maintain a program to assist school districts and open-enrollment   charter schools in adopting and using open education resource   instructional material made available under this subchapter,   including by assisting districts and schools to:                (1)  maintain the instructional flexibility of   classroom teachers to address the needs of each student; and                (2)  schedule instructional periods in a manner that   allows classroom teachers sufficient time to effectively prepare   and present instructional material within the teacher's normal work   day.          (b)  The agency shall engage in efforts to meet the demand   from school districts and open-enrollment charter schools that   request assistance under this section for the 2024-2025 or   2025-2026 school year. A school district or open-enrollment   charter school may apply assistance received under this subsection   to offset the payment of costs related to implementing open   education resource instructional material, regardless of whether   the district or school incurred the cost before receiving the   assistance.  This subsection expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 5.21.  Subchapter B-1, Chapter 31, Education Code,   is amended by adding Section 31.0754 to read as follows:          Sec. 31.0754.  COMMUNICATION REGARDING OPEN EDUCATION   RESOURCE INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS. Notwithstanding Chapter 2113,   Government Code, the commissioner may enter into contracts or   agreements and engage in efforts to communicate information   regarding the development and availability of open education   resource instructional materials made available under this   subchapter, including activities to promote, market, and advertise   the content included in and how to use those materials.          SECTION 5.22.  Section 38.003, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as   follows:          (a)  The State Board of Education shall identify the   necessary criteria and elements that provide for universal   screening [Students enrolling in public schools in this state shall   be screened or tested, as appropriate,] for dyslexia and related   disorders for students [at appropriate times in accordance with a   program approved by the State Board of Education.  The program must   include screening at the end of the school year of each student] in   kindergarten and [each student in the] first grade.          (a-1)  The criteria and elements identified under Subsection   (a) must be included in the reading instruments adopted or approved   under Section 28.0063 and administered in accordance with the   timelines established under that section.          SECTION 5.23.  Section 39.333, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 39.333.  REGIONAL AND DISTRICT LEVEL REPORT. As part of   the comprehensive biennial report under Section 39.332, the agency   shall submit a regional and district level report covering the   preceding two school years and containing:                (1)  a summary of school district compliance with the   student/teacher ratios and class-size limitations prescribed by   Sections 25.111 and 25.112, including:                      (A)  the number of campuses and classes at each   campus granted an exception from Section 25.112; and                      (B)  for each campus granted an exception from   Section 25.112, a statement of whether the campus has been awarded a   distinction designation under Subchapter G or has been identified   as an unacceptable campus under Chapter 39A;                (2)  a summary of the exemptions and waivers granted to   campuses and school districts under Section 7.056 or 39.232 and a   review of the effectiveness of each campus or district following   deregulation;                (3)  an evaluation of the performance of the system of   regional education service centers based on the indicators adopted   under Section 8.101 and client satisfaction with services provided   under Subchapter B, Chapter 8; and                (4)  [an evaluation of accelerated instruction   programs offered under Section 28.006, including an assessment of   the quality of such programs and the performance of students   enrolled in such programs; and                [(5)]  the number of classes at each campus that are   currently being taught by individuals who are not certified in the   content areas of their respective classes.          SECTION 5.24.  Section 48.0051, Education Code, is amended   by amending Subsections (a), (b), and (d) and adding Subsection   (b-1) to read as follows:          (a)  The [Subject to Subsection (a-1), the] commissioner   shall adjust the average daily attendance of a school district or   open-enrollment charter school under Section 48.005 in the manner   provided by Subsection (b) if the district or school:                (1)  provides the minimum number of minutes of   operational and instructional time required under Section 25.081   and commissioner rules adopted under that section over at least 175   [180] days of instruction; and                (2)  offers an additional 30 days of half-day   instruction for students enrolled in prekindergarten through   eighth [fifth] grade.          (b)  Subject to Subsection (b-1), for [For] a school district   or open-enrollment charter school described by Subsection (a), the   commissioner shall increase the average daily attendance of the   district or school under Section 48.005 by the amount that results   from the quotient of the sum of attendance by students described by   Subsection (a)(2) for each of the 30 additional instructional days   of half-day instruction that are provided divided by 175 [180].          (b-1)  For a school district or open-enrollment charter   school described by Subsection (a) that provides at least 200 full   days of instruction to students described by Subsection (a)(2), the   commissioner shall increase the amount computed for the district or   school under Subsection (b) by 50 percent.          (d)  This section does not prohibit a school district from   providing the minimum number of minutes of operational and   instructional time required under Section 25.081 and commissioner   rules adopted under that section over fewer than 175 [180] days of   instruction.          SECTION 5.25.  Subchapter A, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.0052 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.0052.  INCENTIVE FOR ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS   FOR READING INTERVENTIONS. (a) The commissioner shall adjust the   average daily attendance of a school district or open-enrollment   charter school under Section 48.005 in the manner provided by   Subsection (b) if the district or school:                (1)  does not qualify for funding under Section   48.0051;                (2)  provides the minimum number of minutes of   operational and instructional time required under Section 25.081   and commissioner rules adopted under that section; and                (3)  offers up to an additional 30 days of half-day   instruction consisting of reading interventions described by   Section 28.0064 for students who are required to be provided   reading interventions under that section.          (b)  For a school district or open-enrollment charter school   described by Subsection (a), the commissioner shall increase the   average daily attendance of the district or school under Section   48.005 by 50 percent of the amount that results from the quotient of   the sum of attendance by students described by Subsection (a)(3)   for each of the additional instructional days of half-day   instruction that are provided divided by 175.          (c)  The agency shall assist school districts and   open-enrollment charter schools in qualifying for the incentive   under this section.          (d)  The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary for the   implementation of this section.          SECTION 5.26.  Section 48.108, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (a), (b), and (c) and adding Subsection (a-1)   to read as follows:          (a)  For each student in average daily attendance in   kindergarten through third grade, a school district is entitled to   an annual allotment equal to the basic allotment multiplied by   0.01.          (a-1)  In addition to the allotment under Subsection (a), a   school district is entitled to an annual allotment equal to the   basic allotment multiplied by 0.1 for each student in average daily   attendance in kindergarten through third grade who [0.1 if the   student] is:                (1)  educationally disadvantaged; or                (2)  an emergent bilingual student, as defined by   Section 29.052, and is in a bilingual education or special language   program under Subchapter B, Chapter 29.          (b)  Funds allocated under this section must be used to fund:                (1)  the attendance of teachers employed by the   district at teacher literacy achievement academies under Section   21.4552 or teacher mathematics achievement academies under Section   21.4553;                (2)  prekindergarten programs under Subchapters E and   E-1, Chapter 29; and                (3)  programs and services designed to improve student   performance in reading and mathematics in prekindergarten through   third grade, including programs and services designed to assist the   district in achieving the goals set in the district's early   childhood literacy and mathematics proficiency plans adopted under   Section 11.185.          (c)  A school district is entitled to an allotment under each   subdivision of Subsection (a-1) [(a)] for which a student   qualifies.          SECTION 5.27.  Subchapter C, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 48.1081 and 48.122 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.1081.  DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN EARLY EDUCATION   ALLOTMENT MONEY FOR PURPOSES OF FULL-DAY PREKINDERGARTEN. (a)     This section applies only to money to which a school district is   entitled under Section 48.108(a-1).          (b)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,   from the total amount of money to which school districts are   entitled under Section 48.108(a-1), the agency shall, instead of   providing money to which this section applies to school districts   in accordance with Section 48.108(a-1), distribute that money as   follows:                (1)  provide to each school district that operates a   full-day program under Section 29.153(c), funding under this   chapter based on one-half of the average daily attendance   calculated under Section 48.005 for each student in that program;   and                (2)  if any amount remains after distributing money   under Subdivision (1), provide to each school district an amount   that is proportional to the district's entitlement under Section   48.108(a-1).          Sec. 48.122.  EARLY LITERACY INTERVENTION ALLOTMENT. (a)   Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), for each enrolled   student receiving reading interventions under Section 28.0064, a   school district is entitled to an annual allotment of $250, or a   greater amount provided by appropriation.          (b)  A school district may not receive funding under this   section for a student for which the district receives an allotment   under Section 48.103.          (c)  A school district may receive funding under this section   for not more than 10 percent of students enrolled in the district in   kindergarten through third grade.          SECTION 5.28.  Subchapter G, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.317 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.317.  THIRD GRADE SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPORTS GRANT;   FUNDING ADJUSTMENT. (a) A student to whom the agency provides a   grant under Section 28.02111 is entitled to receive an amount of   $400 for each grant for which the student is eligible under that   section, or a greater amount provided by appropriation.          (b)  A student may receive only one grant under Section   28.02111(a)(1) and one grant under Section 28.02111(a)(2) unless   the legislature provides for additional grants by appropriation.          (c)  Subject to Subsection (d), beginning with the 2030-2031   school year, the agency shall reduce the school district's   entitlement under this chapter each school year by the total amount   of grant money received by a student under Subsection (a) for each   student who:                (1)  fails to perform satisfactorily on the third grade   reading assessment instrument administered under Section   39.023(a);                (2)  received and used a grant under Section 28.02111;   and                (3)  was enrolled in the district from kindergarten   through third grade.          (d)  For a student described by Subsection (c) who is   eligible to participate in a school district's special education   program under Section 29.003, the agency shall reduce the   district's entitlement in accordance with Subsection (c) by   one-half of the amount determined for the student under that   subsection.          (e)  Notwithstanding Section 7.057, a determination by the   commissioner under this section is final and may not be appealed.          SECTION 5.29.  The following provisions of the Education   Code are repealed:                (1)  Section 7.058;                (2)  Sections 28.006(c), (c-1), (g), (g-1), (g-2), (i),   (j), and (k); and                (3)  Section 28.007.          SECTION 5.30.  To the extent of any conflict between the   changes made to the Education Code by this article and the changes   made to the Education Code by another Act of the 89th Legislature,   Regular Session, 2025, the changes made by this article prevail.          SECTION 5.31.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) of   this section, Sections 12.104, 21.4552, 21.4553, 25.085, 28.006,   29.153, 29.1543, 29.167, 29.934, and 39.333, Education Code, as   amended by this article, and Sections 28.0063, 28.0064, and   28.0065, Education Code, as added by this article, apply beginning   with the 2025-2026 school year.          (b)  Section 28.02111, Education Code, as added by this   article, applies beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.          (c)  Sections 29.153(g) and 29.1531, Education Code, as   amended by this article, apply beginning with the 2027-2028 school   year.          SECTION 5.32.  (a) Sections 48.0051 and 48.108, Education   Code, as amended by this article, and Sections 48.0052, 48.1081,   and 48.122, Education Code, as added by this article, take effect   September 1, 2025.          (b)  Section 48.317, Education Code, as added by this   article, takes effect September 1, 2026.          (c)  Section 29.1543(b), Education Code, as added by this   article, takes effect September 1, 2027.          (d)  Except as provided by Subsection (a) of this section or   as otherwise provided by this article, this article takes effect   immediately if this Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the   members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article   III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote   necessary for immediate effect, this article takes effect September   1, 2025.   ARTICLE 6.  COLLEGE, CAREER, AND MILITARY READINESS          SECTION 6.01.  Section 4.002, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 4.002.  PUBLIC EDUCATION ACADEMIC GOALS.  To serve as a   foundation for a well-balanced and appropriate education:                GOAL 1:  The students in the public education system   will demonstrate exemplary performance in the reading and writing   of the English language.                GOAL 2:  The students in the public education system   will demonstrate exemplary performance in the understanding of   mathematics.                GOAL 3:  The students in the public education system   will demonstrate exemplary performance in the understanding of   science.                GOAL 4:  The students in the public education system   will demonstrate exemplary performance in the understanding of   social studies.                GOAL 5: The students who graduate high school in the   public education system will have the skills and credentials   necessary to immediately enter this state's workforce.                GOAL 6: The students who graduate high school in the   public education system and who elect to pursue postsecondary   education will be ready for postsecondary coursework without the   need for remediation.          SECTION 6.02.  Subchapter B, Chapter 7, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 7.0405 and 7.043 to read as follows:          Sec. 7.0405.  POSTING OF POSTSECONDARY OUTCOMES. (a)   Subject to Subsection (b), the agency shall post on the agency's   Internet website the following de-identified data, disaggregated   by school district or open-enrollment charter school, high school   campus, and annual cohort for the 10 most recent annual cohorts:                (1)  for students who graduate from high school:                      (A)  the number and percentage of students who   enroll in, enroll in remedial postsecondary coursework as part of,   persist for at least one year in, or complete a postsecondary   degree, certificate, or other credentialing program, disaggregated   by program and postsecondary educational institution; and                      (B)  employment status, occupation, industry,   wage, and county of employment and residence, as reported under   Section 204.0025, Labor Code; and                (2)  for students who did not graduate from high   school:                      (A)  the highest grade level completed;                      (B)  for each cohort for which data is available,   employment status, occupation, industry, wage, and county of   employment and residence, as reported under Section 204.0025, Labor   Code; and                      (C)  whether the student has earned a high school   equivalency certificate.          (b)  The agency is required to provide data regarding   students who graduate from high school and enroll in remedial   postsecondary coursework as part of a postsecondary degree,   certificate, or other credentialing program under Subsection   (a)(1)(A) only to the extent that data is available.          (c)  The agency shall post the data required under Subsection   (a) in a manner that complies with the Family Educational Rights and   Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g) and may, if necessary   to comply with that act, create a private portal for school district   board of trustees or open-enrollment charter school governing body   members, school administrators, and school counselors at a high   school to access data for the member's, administrator's, or   counselor's school district or open-enrollment charter school.          (d)  The agency shall ensure the data posted under Subsection   (a) is made available to:                (1)  school district board of trustees and   open-enrollment charter school governing body members and   superintendents to assist in adopting college, career, and military   readiness plans under Section 11.186; and                (2)  school counselors at a high school to assist the   counselors in performing the duties under Section 33.007.          Sec. 7.043.  STATEWIDE GOAL FOR CAREER READINESS. (a) Using   the data posted under Section 7.0405(a), the agency shall create a   quantifiable statewide goal for public school students to achieve   career readiness, including by attaining a workforce-aligned   credential while in high school.          (b)  The agency shall update the goal created under   Subsection (a) at least once every five years.          SECTION 6.03.  Section 11.186, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsections (d), (e),   and (f) to read as follows:          (b)  Each plan adopted under Subsection (a) must:                (1)  identify annual goals for students in each group   evaluated under the closing the gaps domain under Section   39.053(c)(3);                (2)  include an annual goal [goals] for aggregate   student growth on each college, career, and military readiness   indicator [indicators] evaluated under the student achievement   domain under Section 39.053(c)(1);                (3)  assign at least one district-level administrator   or employee of the regional education service center for the   district's region to:                      (A)  coordinate implementation of the plan; and                      (B)  submit an annual report to the board of   trustees, the agency, and the Legislative Budget Board on the   district's performance and progress toward the goals set under the   plan; and                (4)  be reviewed and approved by majority vote annually   by the board of trustees at a public meeting.          (c)  In identifying and including goals in each plan adopted   under Subsection (a) as provided by Subsection (b), the board of   trustees shall use longitudinal student outcomes data posted under   Section 7.0405(a) and any other resources available to the board.          (d)  A school district shall post the annual report described   by Subsection (b)(3)(B) on the district's Internet website and on   the Internet website, if any, of each campus in the district not   later than two weeks before the date of the public meeting at which   the report is reviewed and approved as required by Subsection   (b)(4).  The district shall update the annual report on each   Internet website if any modifications are made to the report by the   board of trustees.          (e)  The commissioner by rule shall establish a deadline for   the submission of the annual reports described by Subsection   (b)(3)(B). The agency shall compile and make publicly accessible on   the agency's Internet website the annual reports.          (f)  The agency may evaluate the goals identified or included   in an annual report described by Subsection (b)(3)(B) to determine   whether those goals align with state secondary, postsecondary, and   workforce goals.          SECTION 6.04.  Section 28.0095, Education Code, is amended   by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:          (c-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (c)(1)(A), a student   otherwise described by Subsection (c) is eligible to enroll at no   cost in a dual credit course under the program if the student has   graduated from high school but is:                (1)  enrolled in a school district or open-enrollment   charter school at a campus designated as a P-TECH school under   Section 29.556 or in a school district participating in a   partnership under Section 29.912; and                (2)  completing a course of study offered through an   articulation agreement or memorandum of understanding with an   institution of higher education and the district or school   described by Subdivision (1), as applicable, under the Pathways in   Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program under   Subchapter N, Chapter 29, or the Rural Pathway Excellence   Partnership (R-PEP) program under Section 29.912.          SECTION 6.05.  Section 29.182(b), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The state plan must include procedures designed to   ensure that:                (1)  all secondary and postsecondary students have the   opportunity to participate in career and technology education   programs;                (2)  the state complies with requirements for   supplemental federal career and technology education funding;                (3)  career and technology education is established as   a part of the total education system of this state and constitutes   an option for student learning that provides a rigorous course of   study consistent with the required curriculum under Section 28.002   and under which a student may receive specific education in a career   and technology program that:                      (A)  incorporates competencies leading to   academic and technical skill attainment;                      (B)  leads to:                            (i)  an industry-recognized license,   credential, or certificate; or                            (ii)  at the postsecondary level, an   associate or baccalaureate degree;                      (C)  includes opportunities for students to earn   college credit for coursework; and                      (D)  includes, as an integral part of the program,   participation by students and teachers in activities of career and   technical student organizations supported by the agency and the   State Board of Education; [and]                (4)  a school district provides, to the greatest extent   possible, to a student participating in a career and technology   education program opportunities to enroll in dual credit courses   designed to lead to a degree, license, or certification as part of   the program; and                (5)  a course of study offered under a Junior Reserve   Officers' Training Corps program established under 10 U.S.C.   Section 2031 is considered a career and technology education   program.          SECTION 6.06.  Sections 29.190(a-1), (b), and (c), Education   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a-1)  A student may not receive more than two subsidies [one   subsidy] under this section.          (b)  A teacher is entitled to a subsidy under this section if   the teacher passes a certification examination related to career   and technology education [cybersecurity].          (c)  On approval by the commissioner, the agency shall pay   each school district an amount equal to the cost paid by the   district for a certification examination under this section,   including any costs paid for associated fingerprinting or criminal   history record information review.  To obtain reimbursement for a   subsidy paid under this section, a district must:                (1)  pay the costs described by this subsection [fee   for the examination]; and                (2)  submit to the commissioner a written application   on a form prescribed by the commissioner stating the amount of the   costs [fee] paid under Subdivision (1) [for the certification   examination].          SECTION 6.07. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 29.9017 to read as follows:          Sec. 29.9017.  NOTICE REGARDING MILITARY-RELATED TRAINING   PROGRAMS. (a) As part of the high school registration process and   annually, a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall   notify the parent or guardian of each student enrolled in a Junior   Reserve Officers' Training Corps program established under 10   U.S.C. Section 2031 regarding any early registration or scholarship   program available to students in military-related training   programs.          (b)  The notice required under Subsection (a) must provide   the student's parent or guardian with the option to share the   student's data with one or more public institutions of higher   education for the purpose of learning about any opportunity to   participate in an early registration or scholarship program   described by Subsection (a), including:                (1)  the student's directory contact information;                (2)  the student's education records; or                (3)  any other information prescribed by Texas Higher   Education Coordinating Board rule that would allow the student to   learn about an opportunity to participate in military-related   training programs at public institutions of higher education,   including financial aid or scholarship programs.          SECTION 6.08.  Section 29.912, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (c-1) and amending Subsection (j) to read as   follows:          (c-1)  A school district that has participated in the program   may continue to participate in the program regardless of the number   of students in average daily attendance in the district for the   current school year.          (j)  The commissioner shall make grants available for use by   a coordinating entity for a two-year period to assist with costs   associated with the planning, development, establishment, or   expansion, as applicable, of partnerships under the program using   [a portion of state funds allocated under Section 48.118 as well as]   money appropriated for that purpose, federal funds, and any other   funds available.  The commissioner may award a grant only to a   coordinating entity that has entered into a performance agreement   approved under Subsection (i) or, if in the planning stage, has   entered into a memorandum of understanding to enter into a   performance agreement, unless the source of funds does not permit a   grant to the coordinating entity, in which case the grant shall be   made to a participating school district acting as fiscal agent.   Eligible use of grant funds shall include planning, development,   establishment, or expansion of partnerships under the program.  The   commissioner may use not more than 15 percent of the money allocated   for the grants to cover the cost of administering grants awarded   under the program and to provide technical assistance and support   to partnerships under the program.  The total amount of grants   awarded under this subsection for a school year may not exceed $5   million.          SECTION 6.09.  Section 33.007, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (d) to read as   follows:          (b)  During the first school year a student is enrolled in a   high school or at the high school level in an open-enrollment   charter school, and again during each year of a student's   enrollment in high school or at the high school level, a school   counselor shall provide information about postsecondary education   to the student and the student's parent or guardian.  The   information must include information regarding:                (1)  the importance of postsecondary education,   including:                      (A)  career readiness and workforce training   opportunities; and                      (B)  a link to the My Texas Future Internet   website and information regarding how to create a profile on that   website;                (2)  the advantages of earning an endorsement and a   performance acknowledgment and completing the distinguished level   of achievement under the foundation high school program under   Section 28.025;                (3)  the disadvantages of taking courses to prepare for   a high school equivalency examination relative to the benefits of   taking courses leading to a high school diploma;                (4)  financial aid eligibility;                (5)  instruction on how to apply for federal financial   aid;                (6)  the center for financial aid information   established under Section 61.0776;                (7)  the automatic admission of certain students to   general academic teaching institutions as provided by Section   51.803;                (8)  the eligibility and academic performance   requirements for the TEXAS Grant as provided by Subchapter M,   Chapter 56;                (9)  the availability of programs in the district under   which a student may earn college credit, including advanced   placement programs, dual credit programs, joint high school and   college credit programs, and international baccalaureate programs;                (10)  the availability of education and training   vouchers and tuition and fee waivers to attend an institution of   higher education as provided by Section 54.366 for a student who is   or was previously in the conservatorship of the Department of   Family and Protective Services; [and]                (11)  the availability of college credit awarded by   institutions of higher education to veterans and military   servicemembers for military experience, education, and training   obtained during military service as described by the informational   materials developed under Section 302.0031(h), Labor Code;                (12)  opportunities to complete career training and   obtain a postsecondary credential while enrolled in high school,   whether at the student's campus, another campus in the school   district or open-enrollment charter school, or an educational   institution that partners with the district or school, including:                      (A)  information regarding program costs, program   completion rates, and the average wages of students who complete   the program; and                      (B)  the availability of information regarding   those opportunities on the My Texas Future Internet website; and                (13)  the outcomes of graduates from the campus and   school district or open-enrollment charter school in which the   student is enrolled, including completion rates and average wages   based on postsecondary pathways available to those graduates at the   campus, district, or school using data posted under Section   7.0405(a) or available on the My Texas Future Internet website.          (d)  The agency or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating   Board shall make available to school counselors an annual online   training regarding statewide trends identified in the data posted   under Section 7.0405(a) or available on the My Texas Future   Internet website.  The training must include information to assist   school counselors in identifying the postsecondary outcomes for   students at the counselor's campus and school district or   open-enrollment charter school for purposes of performing the   counselor's duties under this section.  The agency or the   coordinating board may make the training available through the   Texas OnCourse Internet website.          SECTION 6.10.  The heading to Section 39.0261, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 39.0261.  COLLEGE PREPARATION AND CAREER READINESS   ASSESSMENTS.          SECTION 6.11.  Section 39.0261(a), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  In addition to the assessment instruments otherwise   authorized or required by this subchapter:                (1)  each school year and at state cost, a school   district may administer to students in the spring of the eighth   grade an established, valid, reliable, and nationally   norm-referenced preliminary college preparation assessment   instrument for the purpose of diagnosing the academic strengths and   deficiencies of students before entrance into high school;                (2)  each school year and at state cost, a school   district may administer to students in the 10th grade an   established, valid, reliable, and nationally norm-referenced   preliminary college preparation assessment instrument for the   purpose of measuring a student's progress toward readiness for   college and the workplace; and                (3)  high school students in the spring of the 11th   grade or during the 12th grade may select and take once, at state   cost:                      (A)  one of the valid, reliable, and nationally   norm-referenced assessment instruments used by colleges and   universities as part of their undergraduate admissions processes;   [or]                      (B)  the assessment instrument designated by the   Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under Section 51.334; or                      (C)  a nationally recognized career readiness   assessment instrument that measures foundational workforce skills   approved by commissioner rule.          SECTION 6.12.  Section 45.105(c), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (c)  Local school funds from district taxes, tuition fees of   students not entitled to a free education, other local sources, and   state funds not designated for a specific purpose may be used for   the purposes listed for state and county available funds and for   purchasing appliances and supplies, paying insurance premiums,   paying janitors and other employees, buying school sites, buying,   building, repairing, and renting school buildings, including   acquiring school buildings and sites by leasing through annual   payments with an ultimate option to purchase, providing advising   support as described by Section 48.0035(1), and educating students   as described by Section 48.0035(2), and, except as provided by   Subsection (c-1), for other purposes necessary in the conduct of   the public schools determined by the board of trustees. The   accounts and vouchers for county districts must be approved by the   county superintendent. If the state available school fund in any   municipality or district is sufficient to maintain the schools in   any year for at least eight months and leave a surplus, the surplus   may be spent for the purposes listed in this subsection.          SECTION 6.13.  Section 48.003(a), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  A student is entitled to the benefits of the Foundation   School Program if, on September 1 of the school year, the student:                (1)  is 5 years of age or older and under 21 years of age   and:                      (A)  has not graduated from high school; or                      (B)  has graduated from high school but is:                            (i)  enrolled in a school district at a   campus designated as a P-TECH school under Section 29.556 or in a   school district participating in a partnership under Section   29.912; and                            (ii)  completing a course of study offered   through an articulation agreement or memorandum of understanding   with an institution of higher education, as defined by Section   61.003, and the district described by Subparagraph (i), as   applicable, under the Pathways in Technology Early College High   School (P-TECH) program under Subchapter N, Chapter 29, and the   Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program under Section   29.912, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in the   district providing the course of study;                (2)  [, or] is at least 21 years of age and under 26   years of age and has been admitted by a school district to complete   the requirements for a high school diploma; or                (3) [(2)]  is at least 18 years of age and under 50   years of age and is enrolled in an adult education program provided   under the adult high school charter school program under Subchapter   G, Chapter 12.          SECTION 6.14.  Subchapter A, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.0035 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.0035.  USE OF FUNDING FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES. A school   district may use funding to which the district is entitled under   this chapter to:                (1)  provide district graduates, during the first two   years after high school graduation, advising support toward the   successful completion of a certificate or degree program at a   public institution of higher education or a postsecondary   vocational training program; and                (2)  educate a student who has graduated from high   school but is enrolled in the district in a program through which   the student may earn dual credit, including the Pathways in   Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program under   Subchapter N, Chapter 29, and the Rural Pathway Excellence   Partnership (R-PEP) program under Section 29.912.          SECTION 6.15.  Section 48.106(a-1), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a-1)  In addition to the amounts under Subsection (a), [for   each student in average daily attendance,] a district is entitled   to $150 [$50] for each [of the following in which the] student in   average daily attendance who [is enrolled]:                (1)  is enrolled in a campus designated as a P-TECH   school under Section 29.556; or                (2)  completes a course of study offered under the   Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program   under Subchapter N, Chapter 29, or the Rural Pathway Excellence   Partnership (R-PEP) program under Section 29.912, regardless of   whether the student is enrolled in the district that provides the   course of study [a campus that is a member of the New Tech Network   and that focuses on project-based learning and work-based   education].          SECTION 6.16.  Sections 48.106(b)(1) and (1-a), Education   Code, are amended to read as follows:                (1)  "Approved career and technology education   program":                      (A)  means:                            (i)  a sequence of career and technology   education courses, including technology applications courses,   authorized by the State Board of Education; and                            (ii)  courses offered under a Junior Reserve   Officers' Training Corps program established under 10 U.S.C.   Section 2031; and                      (B)  includes only courses that qualify for high   school credit.                (1-a)  "Approved program of study" means a course   sequence that:                      (A)  provides students with the knowledge and   skills necessary for success in the students' chosen careers,   including the military; and                      (B)  is approved by the agency for purposes of the   Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century   Act (Pub. L. No. 115-224).          SECTION 6.17.  Section 48.118, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (a-3) and amending Subsection (f) to read as   follows:          (a-3)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a school district   described by Section 29.912(c-1) may receive funding under this   section for up to 110 percent of the number of students who   qualified under Subsection (a) for the school year immediately   preceding the school year in which the district's enrollment first   reached 1,600 or more.          (f)  The total amount of state funding for allotments and   outcomes bonuses under this section may not exceed $20 [$5] million   per year.  If the total amount of allotments and outcomes bonuses to   which school districts are entitled under this section exceeds the   amount permitted under this subsection, the agency shall allocate   state funding to districts under this section in the following   order:                (1)  [allotments under Subsection (a) for which school   districts participating in partnerships prioritized under Section   29.912(h) are eligible;                [(2)]  allotments under Subsection (a) for which school   districts that entered into a memorandum of understanding or letter   of commitment regarding a multidistrict pathway partnership, as   defined by commissioner rule, before May 1, 2023, are eligible;                (2) [(3)]  allotments under Subsection (a) for which   school districts that have entered into a performance agreement   under Section 29.912 with a coordinating entity that is an   institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, are   eligible;                (3) [(4)]  allotments under Subsection (a) for which   school districts with the highest percentage of students who are   educationally disadvantaged, in descending order, are eligible;   and                (4) [(5)]  outcomes bonuses under Subsection (c) for   which school districts with the highest percentage of students who   are educationally disadvantaged, in descending order, are   eligible.          SECTION 6.18.  Section 48.152(a)(2), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (2)  "New instructional facility" includes:                      (A)  a newly constructed instructional facility;                      (B)  a repurposed instructional facility; [and]                      (C)  a leased facility operating for the first   time as an instructional facility with a minimum lease term of not   less than 10 years; and                      (D)  a renovated portion of an instructional   facility to be used for the first time to provide high-cost and   undersubscribed career and technology education programs, as   determined by the commissioner.          SECTION 6.19.  Section 48.152(f), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (f)  The amount appropriated for allotments under this   section may not exceed $150 [$100] million in a school year.  If the   total amount of allotments to which districts are entitled under   this section for a school year exceeds the amount appropriated   under this subsection, the commissioner:                (1)  shall reduce each district's allotment under this   section in the manner provided by Section 48.266(f); and                (2)  for new instructional facilities described by   Subsection (a)(2)(D), may remove a career and technology education   program from the list of programs that qualify under that   subsection.          SECTION 6.20.  The heading to Section 48.155, Education   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 48.155.  COLLEGE PREPARATION AND CAREER READINESS   ASSESSMENT REIMBURSEMENT.          SECTION 6.21.  Section 48.156, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 48.156.  CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION REIMBURSEMENT. (a)     A school district is entitled to reimbursement for the amount of a   subsidy paid by the district for not more than two [a student's]   certification examinations per student [examination] under Section   29.190(a), including costs paid for associated fingerprinting or   criminal history record information review, as provided by Section   29.190(c).          (b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the total amount that   may be used for reimbursement under that subsection for a school   year may not exceed $20 million, of which not more than $500,000 may   be used to reimburse the costs of fingerprinting or criminal   history record information review. If the total amount to which   school districts are entitled under Subsection (a) exceeds the   amount permitted under this subsection, the commissioner shall   proportionately reduce each school district's entitlement under   this section.          SECTION 6.22.  (a)  This section takes effect only if S.B.   1786, 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, becomes law.          (b)  Section 204.0025, Labor Code, is amended to read as   follows:          Sec. 204.0025.  ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE DATA REPORTING. The   commission shall [It is the intent of the legislature that the   commission, subject to the availability of federal funding or other   resources for the purpose,] work with employers to enhance the   reporting of employment and earnings data by employers to the   commission as part of an employer's routine wage filings under this   subtitle or commission rule and consistent with federal law and   regulations. The enhanced wage filings must include information   related to wage, industry, occupational field, full-time and   part-time status, county of primary employment, remote work status,   [occupation] and other important employment information necessary   to conduct the assessment required under Section 302.0205 [that   would improve the state's labor market information].          SECTION 6.23.  (a)  This section takes effect only if S.B.   1786, 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, does not become law.          (b)  Section 204.0025, Labor Code, is amended to read as   follows:          Sec. 204.0025.  ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE DATA REPORTING. The   commission shall [It is the intent of the legislature that the   commission, subject to the availability of federal funding or other   resources for the purpose,] work with employers to enhance the   reporting of employment and earnings data by employers to the   commission as part of an employer's routine wage filings under this   subtitle or commission rule and consistent with federal law and   regulations. The enhanced wage filings must include information   related to wage, industry, occupational field, full-time and   part-time status, county of primary employment, remote work status,   [occupation] and other important employment information that would   improve the state's labor market information.          SECTION 6.24.  The heading to Section 312.003, Labor Code,   is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 312.003.  INVENTORY OF CERTIFICATIONS [CREDENTIALS AND   CERTIFICATES].          SECTION 6.25.  Sections 312.003(a), (b), (c), and (d), Labor   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The advisory council shall develop an inventory of   industry-recognized certifications [credentials and certificates]   that may be earned by a public high school student through a career   and technology education program and that:                (1)  are aligned to state and regional workforce needs;   and                (2)  serve as an entry point to middle- and high-wage   jobs.          (b)  The inventory must include for each certification   [credential or certificate]:                (1)  the associated career cluster;                (2)  the awarding entity;                (3)  the level of education required and any additional   requirements for the certification [credential or certificate];                (4)  any fees for obtaining the certification   [credential or certificate]; and                (5)  the average wage or salary for jobs that require or   prefer the certification [credential or certificate].          (c)  In developing the inventory, the advisory council may   consult with local workforce boards, the Texas Workforce Investment   Council, the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, the   Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating   Board.          (d)  The advisory council shall establish a process for   developing the inventory, including the criteria for the inclusion   of a certification [credential or certificate] in the inventory.          SECTION 6.26.  Section 29.912(h), Education Code, is   repealed.          SECTION 6.27.  The Texas Education Agency shall first update   the statewide goal for career readiness created under Section   7.043(a), Education Code, as added by this article, in accordance   with Subsection (b) of that section not later than the 2028-2029   school year.          SECTION 6.28.  Section 28.0095(c-1), Education Code, as   added by this article, and Sections 29.190, 29.912, 33.007(b), and   39.0261(a), Education Code, as amended by this article, apply   beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.          SECTION 6.29.  (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of   this section and as otherwise provided by this article, this   article takes effect immediately if this Act receives a vote of   two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by   Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not   receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this article takes   effect September 1, 2025.          (b)  The amendments by this article to Chapter 48, Education   Code, take effect September 1, 2025.   ARTICLE 7. CHANGES RELATED TO PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SCHOOL   FINANCE          SECTION 7.01.  Subchapter C, Chapter 7, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 7.0611 to read as follows:          Sec. 7.0611.  FACILITY USAGE REPORT. (a) In this section,   "instructional facility" has the meaning assigned by Section   46.001.          (b)  The agency by rule shall require each school district to   annually report the following information in the form and manner   prescribed by the agency:                (1)  the square footage of each school district   facility and the acreage of land on which each facility sits;                (2)  the total student capacity for each instructional   facility on a district campus;                (3)  for each campus in the school district:                      (A)  the enrollment capacity of the campus and of   each grade level offered at the campus; and                      (B)  the number of students currently enrolled at   the campus and in each grade level offered at the campus;                (4)  whether a school district facility is used by one   or more campuses and the campus identifier of each campus that uses   the facility;                (5)  what each school district facility is used for,   including:                      (A)  an instructional facility;                      (B)  a career and technology center;                      (C)  an administrative building;                      (D)  a food service facility;                      (E)  a transportation facility; and                      (F)  vacant land; and                (6)  whether each school district facility is leased or   owned.          (c)  From the information submitted under Subsection (b),   the agency shall produce and make available to the public on the   agency's Internet website an annual report on school district land   and facilities.  The agency may combine the report required under   this section with any other required report to avoid multiplicity   of reports.          (d)  If the agency determines information provided under   Subsection (b) would create a security risk, such information is   considered confidential for purposes of Chapter 552, Government   Code, and may not be disclosed in the annual report under Subsection   (c).          (e)  The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to   implement this section.  In adopting rules for determining the   student capacity of a school district or district campus, the   commissioner may consider the staffing, student-teacher ratio, and   facility capacity of the district or campus.          SECTION 7.02.  Section 12.106, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (a), (a-2), (d), (e), and (f) and adding   Subsections (e-1), (e-2), and (f-1) to read as follows:          (a)  A charter holder is entitled to receive for the   open-enrollment charter school funding under Chapter 48 equal to   the amount of funding per student in weighted average daily   attendance to which the charter holder would be entitled for the   school under that chapter if the school were a school district   without a tier one local share for purposes of Section 48.266,   excluding:                (1)  the adjustment under Section 48.052;                (2)  [,] the funding under Sections 48.101 and [,   48.110,] 48.111; [, and 48.112,] and                (3)  enrichment funding under Section 48.202(a) [, to   which the charter holder would be entitled for the school under   Chapter 48 if the school were a school district without a tier one   local share for purposes of Section 48.266].          (a-2)  In addition to the funding provided by Subsection (a),   a charter holder is entitled to receive for the open-enrollment   charter school an allotment per student in average daily attendance   in an amount equal to the difference between:                (1)  the product of:                      (A)  the quotient of:                            (i)  the total amount of funding provided to   eligible school districts under Section 48.101(b) or (c); and                            (ii)  the total number of students in   average daily attendance in school districts that receive an   allotment under Section 48.101(b) or (c); and                      (B)  the sum of one and the quotient of:                            (i)  the total number of students in average   daily attendance in school districts that receive an allotment   under Section 48.101(b) or (c); and                            (ii)  the total number of students in   average daily attendance in school districts statewide; and                (2)  $300 [$125].          (d)  Subject to Subsections [Subsection] (e) and (e-2), in   addition to other amounts provided by this section, a charter   holder is entitled to receive, for the open-enrollment charter   school, an annual allotment [funding] per student in average daily   attendance [in an amount] equal to [the guaranteed level of state   and local funds per student per cent of tax effort under Section   46.032(a) multiplied by] the lesser of:                (1)  the state average interest and sinking fund tax   rate imposed by school districts for the current year multiplied by   the guaranteed level of state and local funds per student per cent   of tax effort under Section 46.032(a); or                (2)  the maximum amount of the basic allotment provided   under Section 48.051 for the applicable school year multiplied by   0.06 [a rate that would result in a total amount to which charter   schools are entitled under this subsection for the current year   equal to $60 million].          (e)  Subject to Subsection (e-1), a [A] charter holder is not   entitled to receive funding under Subsection (d) for an   open-enrollment charter school [only] if the school has been   assigned:                (1)  an unacceptable [most recent overall] performance   rating [assigned to the open-enrollment charter school] under   Subchapter C, Chapter 39, for the two preceding school years;                (2)  a financial accountability performance rating   under Subchapter D, Chapter 39, indicating a financial performance   lower than satisfactory for the two preceding school years; or                (3)  any combination of the ratings described by   Subdivisions (1) and (2) for the two preceding school years   [reflects at least acceptable performance].          (e-1)  Subsection (e) [This subsection] does not apply to a   charter holder:                (1)  during the first two years of the applicable   open-enrollment charter school's operation; or                (2)  that operates a school program located at a day   treatment facility, residential treatment facility, psychiatric   hospital, or medical hospital.          (e-2)  A charter holder is entitled to receive funding under   Subsection (d) for an open-enrollment charter school only if the   governing body of the school annually certifies in writing to the   agency that none of the following derives any financial benefit   from a real estate transaction with the school:                (1)  an administrator, officer, or employee of the   school;                (2)  a member of the governing body of the school or its   charter holder; or                (3)  a person related within the third degree by   consanguinity or second degree by affinity, as determined under   Chapter 573, Government Code, to a person described by Subdivision   (1) or (2).          (f)  Funds received by a charter holder under Subsection (d):                (1)  notwithstanding any other law, may not be used to   pay a salary, bonus, stipend, or any other form of compensation to a   school superintendent or administrator serving as educational   leader and chief executive officer of the school; and                (2)  may only be used:                      (A) [(1)]  to lease an instructional facility;                      (B) [(2)]  to pay property taxes imposed on an   instructional facility;                      (C) [(3)]  to pay debt service on bonds issued for   a purpose for which a school district is authorized to issue bonds   under Section 45.001(a)(1) or to pay for a purchase for which a   school district is authorized to issue bonds under that section [to   finance an instructional facility]; or                      (D) [(4)]  for any other purpose related to the   purchase, lease, sale, acquisition, or maintenance of an   instructional facility.          (f-1)  The governing body of an open-enrollment charter   school must comply with Chapter 551, Government Code, when   considering the issuance of bonds.          SECTION 7.03.  Section 28.0211, Education Code, is amended   by adding Subsections (a-15) and (a-16) to read as follows:          (a-15)  The agency shall approve high-impact tutoring   providers for purposes of providing accelerated or supplemental   instruction under this section. In approving a provider, the   agency shall consider the requirements under Subsection (a-4).          (a-16)  In contracting with a high-impact tutoring provider   approved by the agency under Subsection (a-15), a school district   may use an outcomes-based contract. The agency may approve an   instrument necessary to collect, manage, and analyze student   outcomes at scale for those providers.          SECTION 7.04.  Section 29.054, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:          (e)  Notwithstanding Section 29.066(c), the agency may   require, for purposes of implementing Section 48.105, a school   district that is granted an exception under this section to:                (1)  include in the district's Public Education   Information Management System (PEIMS) report additional   information specified by the agency and relating to the alternative   language education methods used by the district; and                (2)  classify the alternative language education   methods used by the district under the Public Education Information   Management System (PEIMS) report as specified by the agency.          SECTION 7.05.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 29.940 to read as follows:          Sec. 29.940.  FEDERAL GRANT ADMINISTRATION. For a federal   grant program under which the agency oversees and administers   services to nonpublic schools, the agency shall follow federal   disposition rules and procedures to dispose of equipment or   supplies that are unused or no longer needed and were previously   allocated to nonpublic schools participating in the grant program.          SECTION 7.06.  Section 37.0021(d), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (d)  Subject to Subsection (j), the commissioner by rule   shall adopt procedures for the use of restraint and time-out by a   school district employee or volunteer or an independent contractor   of a district in the case of a student with a disability receiving   special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29. A   procedure adopted under this subsection must:                (1)  be consistent with:                      (A)  professionally accepted practices and   standards of student discipline and techniques for behavior   management; and                      (B)  relevant health and safety standards;                (2)  establish crisis prevention and intervention   training requirements for school district personnel, including:                      (A)  standards for determining which personnel,   including support staff and law enforcement, should receive the   training and the amount of training each of those individuals   should receive, prioritizing the amount of training and training   that includes physical interventions based on the individual's risk   of being involved in a student-involved crisis situation;                      (B)  recommendations for the minimum frequency of   crisis prevention and intervention training as included in the   continuing education and training clearinghouse published under   Section 21.4514; and                      (C)  provisions allowing for any training   required under this subsection to be combined with or substituted   for other related required training if a majority of the content in   the related training addresses content in the training required   under this subsection, including:                            (i)  trauma-informed care training required   under Section 38.036; and                            (ii)  training on strategies for   establishing and maintaining positive relationships among   students, including conflict resolution, required under Section   21.451(d)(3)(B) [identify any discipline management practice or   behavior management technique that requires a district employee or   volunteer or an independent contractor of a district to be trained   before using that practice or technique]; and                (3)  require a school district to:                      (A)  provide written notification to the   student's parent or person standing in parental relation to the   student for each use of restraint that includes:                            (i)  the name of the student;                            (ii)  the name of the district employee or   volunteer or independent contractor of the district who   administered the restraint;                            (iii)  the date of the restraint;                            (iv)  the time that the restraint started   and ended;                            (v)  the location of the restraint;                            (vi)  the nature of the restraint;                            (vii)  a description of the activity in   which the student was engaged immediately preceding the use of the   restraint;                            (viii)  the behavior of the student that   prompted the restraint;                            (ix)  any efforts made to de-escalate the   situation and any alternatives to restraint that were attempted;                            (x)  if the student has a behavior   improvement plan or a behavioral intervention plan, whether the   plan may need to be revised as a result of the behavior that led to   the restraint; and                            (xi)  if the student does not have a behavior   improvement plan or a behavioral intervention plan, information on   the procedure for the student's parent or person standing in   parental relation to the student to request an admission, review,   and dismissal committee meeting to discuss the possibility of   conducting a functional behavioral assessment of the student and   developing a plan for the student;                      (B)  include in a student's special education   eligibility school records:                            (i)  a copy of the written notification   provided to the student's parent or person standing in parental   relation to the student under Paragraph (A);                            (ii)  information on the method by which the   written notification was sent to the parent or person; and                            (iii)  the contact information for the   parent or person to whom the district sent the notification; and                      (C)  if the student has a behavior improvement   plan or behavioral intervention plan, document each use of time-out   prompted by a behavior of the student specified in the student's   plan, including a description of the behavior that prompted the   time-out.          SECTION 7.07.  Section 37.108(b-1), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b-1)  In a school district's safety and security audit   required under Subsection (b), the district must certify that the   district used the funds provided to the district through the school   safety allotment under Section 48.160 [48.115] only for the   purposes provided by that section.          SECTION 7.08.  Section 37.117(c), Education Code, as added   by Chapter 1 (S.B. 838), Acts of the 88th Legislature, Regular   Session, 2023, is amended to read as follows:          (c)  To comply with this section, a school district or   open-enrollment charter school may:                (1)  use funds provided to the district or school   through the school safety allotment under Section 48.160 [48.115]   or other available funds; and                (2)  use the district's or school's customary   procurement process.          SECTION 7.09.  Section 37.354(a), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  The commissioner may authorize a school district to use   money provided to the district for the purpose of improving school   safety and security, including the school safety allotment under   Section 48.160 [48.115] or any other funding or grant money   available to the district for that purpose, to comply with the   requirements of this subchapter.          SECTION 7.10.  Subchapter A, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.011 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.011.  COMMISSIONER AUTHORITY TO RESOLVE UNINTENDED   CONSEQUENCES. (a)  Subject to Subsection (b), the commissioner   may, as necessary to implement changes made by the legislature to   public school finance, including under this chapter or Chapter 45,   46, or 49, and school district ad valorem taxes:                (1)  adjust a school district's entitlement if the   funding formulas used to determine the district's entitlement   result in an unanticipated loss, gain, or other result for a school   district; and                (2)  modify dates relating to the adoption of a school   district's maintenance and operations tax rate and, if applicable,   an election required for the district to adopt that tax rate.          (b)  Before making an adjustment under Subsection (a), the   commissioner shall notify and must receive approval from the   Legislative Budget Board and the office of the governor.          (c)  If the commissioner makes an adjustment under   Subsection (a), the commissioner must provide to the legislature an   explanation regarding the changes necessary to resolve the   unintended consequences.          (d)  This section expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 7.11.  Subchapter A, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.014 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.014.  NOTICE FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS REGARDING RECOURSE   FOR INVALID PROPERTY VALUES. (a)  This section applies only to a   school district located in an appraisal district in which the   comptroller has certified the preliminary findings of the school   district property value study under Section 403.302(g), Government   Code, and determined that a school district located in the   appraisal district has an invalid local value, regardless of   whether the district meets the definition of an eligible school   district under Section 403.3011, Government Code.          (b)  For each school district to which this section applies   and as soon as practicable after the comptroller has certified the   preliminary findings of the school district property value study   under Section 403.302(g), Government Code, the commissioner shall   provide notice to the board of trustees of the district that   includes information regarding the impact or possible impact of a   final certification of an invalid local value on the district's   finances, including:                (1)  an estimate of the effect on the district's   finances; and                (2)  any right of recourse available to the district.          (c)  Each school district shall annually report to the agency   contact information for the members of the district's board of   trustees for purposes of receiving the notice under this section.          (d)  The commissioner shall coordinate with the comptroller   to provide copies of the notice under this section to the board of   directors of each applicable appraisal district.          SECTION 7.12.  Section 48.051(a), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  For each student in average daily attendance, not   including the time students spend each day in career and technology   education programs or in special education programs in a setting   [an instructional arrangement] other than a general education   setting [mainstream or career and technology education programs],   for which an additional allotment is made under Subchapter C, a   school district is entitled to an allotment equal to the lesser of   the amounts that result from the following formulas:                (1)  A = $6,160 + GYIA; or [the amount that results from   the following formula:]                (2)  A = ($6,160 + GYIA) X TR/MCR   where:          "A" is the allotment to which a district is entitled;          "GYIA" is the guaranteed yield increment adjustment   determined under Section 48.2561;          "TR" is the district's tier one maintenance and operations   tax rate, as provided by Section 45.0032; and          "MCR" is the district's maximum compressed tax rate, as   determined under Section 48.2551.          SECTION 7.13.  Section 48.101, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 48.101.  SMALL AND MID-SIZED DISTRICT ALLOTMENT. (a)   Small and mid-sized districts are entitled to an annual allotment   in accordance with this section.  In this section:                (1)  "AA" is the district's annual allotment per   student in average daily attendance;                (2)  "ADA" is the number of students in average daily   attendance for which the district is entitled to an allotment under   Section 48.051, other than students in average daily attendance who   do not reside in the district and are enrolled in a full-time   virtual program; and                (3)  "BA" is the basic allotment determined under   Section 48.051.          (b)  A school district that has fewer than 1,600 students in   average daily attendance is entitled to an annual allotment for   each student in average daily attendance based on the following   formula:   AA = ((1,600 - ADA) X .00046 [.0004]) X BA          (c)  A school district that offers a kindergarten through   grade 12 program and has less than 5,000 students in average daily   attendance is entitled to an annual allotment for each student in   average daily attendance based on the formula, of the following   formulas, that results in the greatest annual allotment:                (1)  the formula in Subsection (b), if the district is   eligible for that formula; or                (2)  AA = ((5,000 - ADA) X .00003 [.000025]) X BA.          (d)  Instead of the allotment under Subsection (b) or (c)(1),   a school district that has fewer than 300 students in average daily   attendance and is the only school district located in and operating   in a county is entitled to an annual allotment for each student in   average daily attendance based on the following formula:   AA = ((1,600 - ADA) X .0005 [.00047]) X BA          SECTION 7.14.  Section 48.105, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsections (a-1) and (a-2) and amending Subsection (b) to   read as follows:          (a-1)  The agency shall review school districts that offer   alternative language education methods approved by the agency under   Section 29.054(d) and approve districts to receive the allotment   under Subsection (a-2) for that biennium in a manner that provides   not more than $10 million total under the allotment to school   districts in each biennium.  In approving school districts to   receive the allotment under this subsection, the agency shall, to   the extent possible, approve eligible school districts from a   cross-section of this state.          (a-2)  For each student in average daily attendance in an   alternative language education method approved by the agency under   Section 29.054(d), and offered by a school district approved to   receive the allotment under Subsection (a-1), the district is   entitled to an annual allotment equal to the basic allotment   multiplied by:                (1)  0.15 for an emergent bilingual student, as defined   by Section 29.052, if the student is in an alternative language   education method using a dual language immersion/one-way or two-way   program model; and                (2)  0.05 for a student not described by Subdivision   (1), if the student is in an alternative language education method   using a dual language immersion/one-way or two-way program model.          (b)  At least 55 percent of the funds allocated under this   section must be used in providing bilingual education or special   language programs under Subchapter B, Chapter 29. A district's   bilingual education or special language allocation may be used only   for program and student evaluation, instructional materials and   equipment, staff development, supplemental staff expenses, teacher   salaries [salary supplements for teachers], incremental costs   associated with providing smaller class sizes, and other supplies   required for quality instruction.          SECTION 7.15.  Section 48.115, Education Code, is   transferred to Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code,   redesignated as Section 48.160, Education Code, and amended to read   as follows:          Sec. 48.160  [48.115].  SCHOOL SAFETY ALLOTMENT. (a)   Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), a school district is   entitled to an annual allotment equal to the sum of the following   amounts or a greater amount provided by appropriation:                (1)  $20 [$10] for each student in average daily   attendance, plus $1 for each student in average daily attendance   per every $50 by which the district's maximum basic allotment under   Section 48.051 exceeds $6,160, prorated as necessary; and                (2)  $33,540 [$15,000] per campus.          (a-1)  A school district campus that provides only virtual   instruction or utilizes only facilities not subject to the   district's control is not included for purposes of determining a   school district's allotment under Subsection (a).          (b)  Funds allocated under this section must be used to   improve school safety and security, including costs associated   with:                (1)  securing school facilities in accordance with the   requirements of Section 37.351, including:                      (A)  improvements to school infrastructure;                      (B)  the use or installation of perimeter security   fencing conducive to a public school learning environment or   physical barriers, which may not include razor wire;                      (C)  exterior door and window safety and security   upgrades, including exterior door numbering and locking systems and   security film that provides resistance to a forced entry; and                      (D)  the purchase and maintenance of:                            (i)  security cameras and, if the district   has already installed security cameras, other security equipment,   including video surveillance as provided by Section 29.022; and                            (ii)  technology, including communications   systems or devices, such as silent panic alert devices, two-way   radios, or wireless Internet booster equipment, that facilitates   communication and information sharing between students, school   personnel, and first responders in an emergency;                (2)  providing security for the district, including:                      (A)  employing school district peace officers,   private security officers, and school marshals; and                      (B)  collaborating with local law enforcement   agencies, such as entering into a memorandum of understanding for   the assignment of school resource officers to schools in the   district;                (3)  school safety and security measures, including:                      (A)  active shooter and emergency response   training;                      (B)  prevention and treatment programs relating   to addressing adverse childhood experiences; and                      (C)  the prevention, identification, and   management of emergencies and threats, using evidence-based,   effective prevention practices and including:                            (i)  providing licensed counselors, social   workers, chaplains, and individuals trained in restorative   discipline and restorative justice practices;                            (ii)  providing mental health personnel and   support, including chaplains;                            (iii)  providing behavioral health   services, including services provided by chaplains;                            (iv)  establishing threat reporting   systems; and                            (v)  developing and implementing programs   focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant   instruction, and providing mental health support, including   support provided by chaplains;                (4)  providing programs related to suicide prevention,   intervention, and postvention, including programs provided by   chaplains; and                (5)  employing a school safety director and other   personnel to manage and monitor school safety initiatives and the   implementation of school safety requirements for the district.          (b-1)  The agency may designate certain technologies that a   school district, in using funds allocated under this section, may   purchase only from a vendor approved by the agency.          (b-2)  If the agency, in coordination with the Texas School   Safety Center, determines that entering into a statewide contract   with a vendor for the provision of a technology designated under   Subsection (b-1) would result in cost savings to school districts,   the agency may, after receiving approval from the Legislative   Budget Board and office of the governor, enter into a contract with   a vendor to provide the technology to each district that uses funds   allocated under this section to purchase that technology.          (c)  A school district may use funds allocated under this   section for equipment or software that is used for a school safety   and security purpose and an instructional purpose, provided that   the instructional use does not compromise the safety and security   purpose of the equipment or software.          (c-1)  The agency, or if designated by the agency, the Texas   School Safety Center, shall establish and publish a directory of   approved vendors of school safety technology and equipment a school   district may select from when using funds allocated under this   section. If a school district uses funds allocated under this   section to purchase technology or equipment from a vendor that is   not included in the directory, the district must solicit bids from   at least three vendors before completing the purchase.          (d)  The commissioner shall annually publish a report   regarding funds allocated under this section including the   programs, personnel, and resources purchased by districts using   funds under this section and other purposes for which the funds were   used.          (e)  Notwithstanding any other law, a school district may use   funds allocated under this section to provide training to a person   authorized by the district to carry a firearm on a district campus.          SECTION 7.16.  Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.161 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.161.  ALLOTMENT FOR BASIC COSTS. (a) A school   district is entitled to an annual allotment of $106 for each student   enrolled in the district.          (b)  Money allocated under this section may be used only to   pay costs associated with:                (1)  transportation;                (2)  hiring retired teachers;                (3)  providing health insurance and employee benefits   and paying for payroll taxes;                (4)  contributions and other costs under Subchapter E,   Chapter 825, Government Code;                (5)  utilities; and                (6)  property and casualty insurance.          SECTION 7.17.  Section 48.202, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (a-1) and adding Subsection (e-2) to read as   follows:          (a-1)  For purposes of Subsection (a), the dollar amount   guaranteed level of state and local funds per weighted student per   cent of tax effort ("GL") for a school district is:                (1)  [the greater of the amount of district tax revenue   per weighted student per cent of tax effort available to a school   district at the 96th percentile of wealth per weighted student or]   the amount that results from multiplying the maximum amount of the   basic allotment provided under Section 48.051 for the applicable   school year [6,160, or the greater amount provided under Section   48.051(b), if applicable,] by 0.02084 [0.016], for the first eight   cents by which the district's maintenance and operations tax rate   exceeds the district's tier one tax rate; and                (2)  [subject to Subsection (f),] the amount that   results from multiplying the maximum amount of the basic allotment   provided under Section 48.051 for the applicable school year    [$6,160, or the greater amount provided under Section 48.051(b), if   applicable,] by 0.008, for the district's maintenance and   operations tax effort that exceeds the amount of tax effort   described by Subdivision (1).          (e-2)  For purposes of this section, the total amount of   maintenance and operations taxes collected by a school district not   required to reduce its local revenue level under Section 48.257   includes the amount of tax revenue received from a county-wide   equalization tax.          SECTION 7.18.  Subchapter F, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.2561 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.2561.  GUARANTEED YIELD INCREMENT ADJUSTMENT. (a)   Not later than October 1 of each even-numbered year, for the   subsequent state fiscal biennium, the agency shall determine the   amount of the guaranteed yield increment adjustment for each state   fiscal year of the biennium. The amount of the guaranteed yield   increment adjustment is the difference between:                (1)  the estimated cost to the state of maintaining the   guaranteed level of state and local funds per weighted student per   cent of tax effort under Section 48.202(a-1)(1) at the 96th   percentile of wealth per weighted student for each year of the   biennium; and                (2)  the state cost of maintaining the guaranteed level   of state and local funds per weighted student per cent of tax effort   at the amount provided by Section 48.202(a-1)(1).          (b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the amount of the   guaranteed yield increment adjustment for each state fiscal year of   the state fiscal biennium beginning September 1, 2025, is $55.  This   subsection expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 7.19.  Section 48.266, Education Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as   follows:          (b)  Except as provided by this subsection and subject to   Subsection (b-1), the commissioner shall base the determinations   under Subsection (a) on the estimates provided to the legislature   under Section 48.269, or, if the General Appropriations Act   provides estimates for that purpose, on the estimates provided   under that Act, for each school district for each school year.  The   commissioner shall reduce the entitlement of each district that has   a final taxable value of property for the second year of a state   fiscal biennium that is higher than the estimate under Section   48.269 or the General Appropriations Act, as applicable.  A   reduction under this subsection may not reduce the district's   entitlement below the amount to which it is entitled at its actual   taxable value of property.          (b-1)  Periodically throughout the school year, the   commissioner shall adjust the determinations made under Subsection   (a) to reflect current school year estimates of a district's   enrollment and average daily attendance, based on attendance   reporting for each six-week interval.          SECTION 7.20.  Section 48.283, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 48.283.  ADDITIONAL STATE AID FOR CERTAIN DISTRICTS   IMPACTED BY COMPRESSION.  A school district that received an   adjustment under Section 48.257(b) as that subsection existed on   September 1, 2024, for the 2022-2023 school year is entitled to   additional state aid [for each school year] in an amount equal to   [the amount of that adjustment for the 2022-2023 school year less]   the difference, if the difference is greater than zero, between:                (1)  [the amount to which the district is entitled   under this chapter for the current school year; and                [(2)]  the amount of state and local revenue that would   have been available to [which] the district [would be entitled]   under this chapter and Chapter 49 for the current school year if the   district's maximum compressed tax rate had not been reduced under   Section 48.2555, as added by S.B. 2, Acts of the 88th Legislature,   2nd Called Session, 2023; and                (2)  the amount of state and local revenue available to   the district under this chapter and Chapter 49 for the current   school year.          SECTION 7.21.  Subchapter F, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.284 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.284.  ADDITIONAL STATE AID FOR REGIONAL INSURANCE   COST DIFFERENTIALS. (a) In this section, "catastrophe area" and   "first tier coastal county" have the meanings assigned by Section   2210.003, Insurance Code.          (b)  This section applies to a school district or   open-enrollment charter school that has the following property   located in a first tier coastal county or an area designated in 2024   as a catastrophe area:                (1)  the central administrative office of the district   or school; and                (2)  a majority of campuses of the district or school.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school to   which this section applies is entitled to additional state aid for   each student in adjusted average daily attendance in an amount   equal to 80 percent of the difference between, for the 2023-2024   school year, or a different school year specified by appropriation:                (1)  the total amount paid for property and casualty   insurance by districts and schools in the county or catastrophe   area described by Subsection (b) in which the district's or school's   property is located divided by the total number of students in   average daily attendance for all districts and schools in the   county or catastrophe area; and                (2)  the total amount paid for property and casualty   insurance by districts and schools in the state divided by the total   number of students in average daily attendance in the state.          (d)  For purposes of Subsection (c), the average daily   attendance of a school district that qualifies for, or an   open-enrollment charter school that if the school were a school   district would qualify for, an allotment under Section 48.101 is   the district's or school's average daily attendance multiplied by   the sum of one and:                (1)  for a school district, the district's annual   allotment per student in average daily attendance under that   section divided by the basic allotment; or                (2)  for an open-enrollment charter school, the   school's allotment determined per student in average daily   attendance under Section 12.106(a-2) divided by the basic   allotment.          SECTION 7.22.  Subchapter F, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.285 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.285.  ADDITIONAL STATE AID TO ENSURE FUNDING OF   RETENTION ALLOTMENTS.  (a)  For the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school   years, a school district is entitled to additional state aid each   year equal to the amount, if the amount is greater than zero, that   the district is entitled to under Sections 48.158 and 48.1581 less   the amount that results from subtracting the amount of funding the   district was entitled to under this chapter and Chapter 49 as those   chapters existed on September 1, 2024, from the funding the   district is entitled to under this chapter and Chapter 49 for the   current year.          (b)  This section expires September 1, 2028.          SECTION 7.23.  Section 26.08(n), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (n)  For purposes of this section, the voter-approval tax   rate of a school district is the sum of the following:                (1)  the rate per $100 of taxable value that is equal to   the district's maximum compressed tax rate, as determined under   Section 48.2551, Education Code, for the current year;                (2)  the greater of:                      (A)  the district's enrichment tax rate for the   preceding tax year [, less any amount by which the district is   required to reduce the district's enrichment tax rate under Section   48.202(f), Education Code, in the current tax year]; or                      (B)  the rate of $0.05 per $100 of taxable value;   and                (3)  the district's current debt rate.          SECTION 7.24.  The following provisions of the Education   Code are repealed:                (1)  Sections 48.104(j-1), (k), (l), (m), (n), and (o);   and                (2)  Section 48.202(f).          SECTION 7.25.  To the extent of any conflict between the   changes made to the Education Code by this article and the changes   made to the Education Code by another Act of the 89th Legislature,   Regular Session, 2025, the changes made by this article prevail.          SECTION 7.26.  This article takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 2 was passed by the House on April 17,   2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 142, Nays 5, 0 present, not   voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.   No. 2 on May 29, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 122, Nays 13, 1   present, not voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House               I certify that H.B. No. 2 was passed by the Senate, with   amendments, on May 23, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays   0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate      APPROVED: __________________                   Date                       __________________                 Governor