Legislative Blog

J.B. Williams, J.D.

10 bills that modify the Education Code

A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws

A Bit of Background

The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.

Brief Summary of Texas

Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.

Summary of 88th Legislature Laws

The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.

Blog Summary

HB 1926 - Expiration date and funding of supplemental special education services

HB 2100 - Eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for mental health professionals

HB 2102 - Establishment of new open-enrollment charter school campus

HB 2729 - Teacher requirements for high quality prekindergarten programs

HB 3466 - Programs regarding Holocaust Remembrance Week

HB 3708 - Allotment under the Foundation School Program for districts allowing non-enrolled students to participate in University Interscholastic League activities

HB 3993 - Automatic admission of students with nontraditional secondary education

HB 4210 - Qualifications to serve on the board of trustees of a military reservation school district

HB 4372 - Commissioning of peace officers by private schools

HB 5330 - Service area for Houston Community College System District

10 bills that modify the Education Code

Published: 2024-11-26

HB 1926

Expiration date and funding of supplemental special education services

Previously there was a cap of $30 million for the services but that has been removed. The commissioner may set aside an appropriation amount and grants may not exceed the cap.

HB 2100

Eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for mental health professionals

Follows HB 1211

HB 2102

Establishment of new open-enrollment charter school campus

Previously new charter school campus could only be noticed to open up to 18 months before open, but now they may do so up to 36 months before open. The same holds true for expansions.

HB 2729

Teacher requirements for high quality prekindergarten programs

A teacher for prekindergarten must meet the same guides as previously set out but one of the qualifications may be an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or a related field. The prekindergarten teacher must be supervised by a person who meets the prekindergarten qualifications and has one of the following:

1. at least 2 years experience in teaching a nationally accredited child care program or Texas Rising Star Program and either of the following:
   1. Child Development Associate credential or other early childhood education credential; or
   2. certification through training center accredited by Association Montessori Internationale or through Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education
2. other qualifications set out in the code

HB 3466

Programs regarding Holocaust Remembrance Week

The advisory commission shall conduct a survey of schools regarding their Holocaust Remembrance Week instruction. It must include the extent to which the campus participates in Holocaust Remembrance Week; the familiarity of the educators and administrators with the materials and resources; and any additional materials that would be useful. The written report must be submitted by December 1, 2024.

Then there is a modification to the Government Code thrown in for an unknown reason. There are grants for those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse issues, or mental illness. Now the grants must consider entities that provide services to an average of at least 50% of those experiencing homelessness in a geographic area served by Continuum of Care Program that is funded the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Further modification of the Government Code to create a biennial report that provides the following:

1. the method used to choose the entities that received the grants;
2. the amount of each grant;
3. the number of individuals served; and
4. the results of the annual review meansures

In even-numbered years, by September 1, the report shall be submitted to the lieutenant governor; speaker of the house; standing committees having primary jurisdiction over department and state finance; and Legislative Budget board.

HB 3708

Allotment under the Foundation School Program for districts allowing non-enrolled students to participate in University Interscholastic League activities

Each district that permits non-enrolled students to participate in the University Interscholastic League activies will receive $1,500 per league activity per year.

HB 3993

Automatic admission of students with nontraditional secondary education

Now an applicant for a teaching institute may have graduated from a public or private high school, or completed a nontraditional secondary education. They also provide a means of computing rank for those completing a nontraditional secondary education.

HB 4210

Qualifications to serve on the board of trustees of a military reservation school district

If a member of the board of trustees retires from active duty or civilian service, they may continue to serve their term.

HB 4372

Commissioning of peace officers by private schools

Private schools with at least 1,500 students may commission peace officers to enforce state and local law. The peace officer must meet all minimum standards for peace officers.

HB 5330

Service area for Houston Community College System District

It has been expanded to include the portion of the Fort Bend Independent School District that is not within the service of Wharton County Junior College District and is adjacent to the Houston Community College System District.

 

J.B. Williams, J.D.

4,312 federal laws were passed from 1995 through December 2016.
Along with 88,819 federal rules and regulations.